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mymachine
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Why a silica powder is melting but not burnt when heated?
Thank you
Thank you
mfb said:Silica (silicon dioxide) is "burnt" silicon. You cannot burn it for the same reason you cannot burn carbon dioxide.
Silica powder is made up of tiny particles of silicon dioxide, which has a very high melting point of 1,710°C (3,110°F). This means that when it is heated, the particles will begin to vibrate and move around, eventually reaching a high enough temperature to melt and form a liquid. However, since it is an inorganic compound, it does not contain any carbon atoms, which are necessary for combustion or burning to occur.
Yes, silica powder has a very high melting point compared to other substances. In fact, it has one of the highest melting points of any mineral compound. This is due to its strong bonds between silicon and oxygen atoms, which require a lot of energy to break apart and melt the powder.
No, silica powder cannot burn or catch fire because it does not contain any carbon atoms. Burning or combustion occurs when carbon-containing compounds react with oxygen to produce heat and light. Since silica powder does not have any carbon, it cannot undergo this type of reaction.
When silica powder is heated beyond its melting point, it will continue to absorb heat and increase in temperature until it reaches its boiling point. At this point, the powder will turn into a gas and escape into the air as silicon dioxide molecules. This process is known as sublimation.
Yes, there is a difference between melting and burning. Melting is the process of a solid substance turning into a liquid when heated, while burning is the chemical reaction between a substance and oxygen that produces heat and light. In the case of silica powder, it can melt due to its high melting point, but it cannot undergo combustion or burning.