For many of the larger elements in the periodic table we can only hypothesise their state using patterns in the groups they exist in as not enough atoms have been created that last long enough for the synthetic elements to be studied. In the case of many of these atoms also not enough atoms have been created to witness their state of matter. This is often because due to the radioactivity of these elements they decay very quickly breaking down into smaller elements and releasing alpha, beta and gamma radiation. In the periodic table there are a number of elements in the actinide and lanthanide series that have unknown states. They also have very low boiling and melting points requiring very very low temperature to turn them into liquids. Gas particles often are poor conductors of heat and electricity due to the wide spaces between the atoms. Gaseous particles can flow due to their free movement and can also be squashed by reducing the volume of the container it is in. Like liquids gases will often take the shape of the container they are placed in and will exhibit pressure on the surfaces of such a container. In a similar way they are free to move and less densely packed but the atoms are spread over much greater distances. Gaseous atoms are much more spread out than liquids. 1: Matter is usually classified into three classical states, with plasma sometimes added as a fourth state. All substances can exist in any of these three states. With a few exceptions such as the alkali metals which will readily float on water. Most metals exist as solids at room temperature. Liquids are often less dense than solids as they are less closely packed with space between the molecules. Liquids also often have lower boiling points than solids as less energy is needed to overcome the forces between the particles meaning liquids will readily turn into gases. The particles in a liquid often move around each other freely, because of this liquids often take the shape of their container and can be poured as the weak attractions between the atoms mean they can flow. Due to the atoms in a solid being held in a fixed position, solids often have a defined volume and shape/structure. Property wise many solids like metal are good electrical conductors due to the closely packed atoms and also good conductors of heat as vibrations can easily travel through them. However some solids may be brittle and weak depending on their bonding. Solids are very strong usually and will resist pressure and forces applied to them. Regular is usually defined as being in a lattice like structure where atoms are the same size and in layers. Solids are tightly packed with their atoms having a regular arrangement.
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