Water molecule, bucket question

In summary, the conversation discussed the behavior of water molecules in a lattice structure placed in a bucket with charged rings and an insulating layer. The first scenario considered a one to one ratio of water molecules to lattice molecules, dropped from a height where intermolecular forces and the charges are negligible. The question was whether the water molecules would vibrate as waves, bounce up and down in a random or distinguishable pattern, or stop due to nonconservative forces. The second scenario assumed an equal radius for the top and bottom rings, with the sides of the bucket forming a plane. The same question was posed, and the answer provided suggested that the water molecules would behave chaotically due to a sudden jarring impact, or they would bill
  • #1
FrostJax
1
0
Let's say there was a Lattice L of a certain molecule P. The molecules are spherical and are in static equilibrium. L is in a bucket shape, with the R1 and R2 of the two bounding areas circular areas that are along the x,y plane at z(R1) = Z1 and z(R2) = Z2. The density of the structure is known as well as the structure. There is a surface charge distribution amongst the top layer of the lattice all along the bucket. The radii of the top circle bounding the bucket is large enough so that a certain number N of water molecules won't be effected by the charge distribution along sides. Now we drop a number of water molecules on to the lattice such that there is a one to one ratio between the lattice molecules and the water molecules along a line along the z axis at the varying x,y coordinates of the lattice molecules. The molecules have an initial velocity v(x,y,z) = v_0z (v_0x and v_0y are zero). They are dropped from a height such that the forces such as intermolecular forces and the force of the bounding charged rings are negligible. Do the water molecules vibrate as waves, bounce up and down exlusively and in a random fashion, or other distinguishable or "indistinguishable" pattern of travel until they're "halted" by nonconservative forces? Now instead assume there's an insulator layer between the circle that bounds the lattice and the sides of the bucket, such that there is no charge distribution along the sides. Now the radius of the bottom ring that bounds the lattice is equal to the radius of the top ring, thus the side of the bucket exists along a plane that extends from z1 to z2 at a reasonable bucket radius S with phi from 0 to 2*pi (in cylindrical coordinates). We drop that one to one ratio of water molecules, same question as before. Waves, distinguishable/indistinguishable pattern, or bounce up and down exclusively and randomly? A good answer to this question would be one where I finish reading it understanding that I'm thinking of something the wrong way. Another good answer would be the answer, thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF;
I think you are over thinking things... consider:

If the molecules are in a lattice, then they make up a solid.

You seem to want to model some sort of viscous fluid - but then you switch suddenly to "water molecules".
Water molecules are not spherical for example, and water is not all that viscous.

I don't know what you mean by charged bounding rings or insulating layers.
I don't know what you mean by "the sides of the bucket exist along a plane" ... buckets are usually cylindrical in form - though you can have rectangular containers, not all the sides will follow the same plane.

So you have a bucket of water that you give a sudden jarring impact to.
The impact flexes the sides of the bucket - pushing on the water. The energy goes through the water as waves.
The surface will be observed to slosh about in a complicated way.
Eventually the motion is damped out.

But that is when the intermolecular forces are important. You specified:
They are dropped from a height such that the forces such as intermolecular forces and the force of the bounding charged rings are negligible.
... which implies that the impact was so hard, the water vaporizes!
Well then water rapidly billows from the bucket in a chaotic fashion.

I don't know what you mean by "one to one ratio of water molecules" for the second thought experiment.

Please try to use a more standard scientific language - or, failing that, everyday language.
 

1. What is a water molecule?

A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, bonded together through covalent bonds. It is the basic unit of water and is essential for life on Earth.

2. How does a water molecule form?

A water molecule forms when two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom share electrons, creating a covalent bond. This bond results in a bent shape and gives water its unique properties.

3. Why is water often referred to as the universal solvent?

Water is referred to as the universal solvent because it has a unique ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances due to its polar nature. This makes it essential for many chemical reactions and biological processes.

4. What is the bucket question regarding water molecules?

The bucket question regarding water molecules is a thought experiment that asks if you can add a single water molecule to a bucket of water, and if so, how many new molecules would be in the bucket. The answer is that you cannot add just one molecule, as it will bond with other molecules in the bucket, creating more than one new molecule.

5. How does the structure of a water molecule contribute to its properties?

The bent shape of a water molecule, along with its polarity, allows for hydrogen bonding between molecules. This gives water its unique properties such as surface tension, high boiling point, and ability to dissolve polar substances.

Similar threads

  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
2
Views
724
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
896
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top