Solidity: Illusory Nature of Electron Bonding

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of solidity and the role of electron interactions in defining the states of matter, specifically solids and liquids. It explores theoretical perspectives on atomic bonding and phase transitions, with a focus on the conceptual understanding of solidity as potentially illusory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that solidity is an illusion created by the repulsion of electrons, contrasting it with the weaker bonding in liquids that allows them to flow.
  • One participant notes that the internal structure of solids and liquids varies depending on the substance, highlighting that metals typically have a rigid crystalline structure.
  • Another participant challenges the use of the term "illusion," asserting that while electron interactions do influence the properties of solids and liquids, the definitions of these phases and their transitions are well established and not merely illusory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the characterization of solidity as an illusion, with some supporting this notion while others defend the established definitions of solid and liquid phases. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the nature of electron interactions and the definitions of solidity and liquidity, which may vary across different substances.

TheoryMan
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Solidity is an illusion made by electrons repelling each other. A liquid, however doesn't have bonds between its atoms as strong as a solid does, hence the ability to flow.
 
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Theory Man,u're worthy of Theory Development subforum. :approve: It's basically made for people like u... :smile:

Daniel.

PS.Do you know the internal structure of solids and liquids??
 
Depends on the substance.
Most metals, for example have a rigid crystalline structure.
 
TheoryMan said:
Solidity is an illusion made by electrons repelling each other. A liquid, however doesn't have bonds between its atoms as strong as a solid does, hence the ability to flow.

Except for the unnecessary use of the word "illusion", you're not saying anything new here. Yes, interactions between electrons are responsible for properties of solids. Yes, weak intermolecular bonding between molecules of a liquid is responsible for its ability to flow.

However, the solid and liquid phases are well defined in most systems, and the phase transition between these phases (and the atetndant change in enthalpy) are hardly illusions !
 

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