A: "Transforming Coal into Diamond: How Much Does One Pound of Gold Compress?"

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    Coal Diamond
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of transforming materials, specifically the idea of converting coal into diamonds and the misconceptions surrounding the transformation of gold into diamonds. Participants explore the conditions necessary for diamond formation and clarify the elemental differences between gold and carbon.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of transforming one pound of gold into a diamond, noting that gold is an element distinct from carbon, which is required for diamond formation.
  • Another participant suggests that if one were to use one pound of pure carbon, it could theoretically be transformed into one pound of diamond under perfect conditions.
  • There is confusion about the initial question regarding gold, with multiple participants pointing out that diamonds are made from carbon, not gold.
  • A participant humorously references the concept of alchemy in relation to the transformation of gold into diamonds, indicating skepticism about the possibility.
  • One participant corrects their earlier statement, clarifying that they meant coal instead of gold, which shifts the focus of the discussion.
  • Another participant provides information about the carbon content in coal, suggesting that it may be possible to create diamonds from coal under specific conditions.
  • There is a mention of the conditions required for diamond formation, including high temperature and pressure, with a link to synthetic diamond processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the initial premise regarding gold, with some clarifying that diamonds cannot be made from gold. However, there is a mix of opinions about the potential for transforming coal into diamonds, with some expressing skepticism and others suggesting it is theoretically possible.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the properties of materials and the conditions necessary for diamond formation, which remain unresolved. The varying definitions of weight and mass in the context of material transformation are also not fully addressed.

chicopee
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If I have one pound of gold heated and compressed into a diamond, what will the weight of the diamond be?
PS
 
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Um... gold is made of... gold. Diamond's are made of carbon... You can squeeze the gold all you want. you're not getting a diamond.
 
However, if you mean have 1 pound of pure carbon (like super anthracite coal or something) I don't see why you can't make 1 pound of diamond given perfect conditions.
 
If I have one pound of gold heated and compressed into a diamond, what will the weight of the diamond be?
Why would heat and compression change the mass?
 
Would you like to convert 1 troy pound of gold (373.24 grams) into a 1 avoirdupois pound gold diamond (453.59 grams)? If you find out how to do it, please let me know.
 
What do you think "gold diamond" means??
 
I am not sure what I talk about here when I say this, but, aren't diamonds made from carbon, so how would you turn gold into a diamond?
 
GrizzlyBat said:
I am not sure what I talk about here when I say this, but, aren't diamonds made from carbon, so how would you turn gold into a diamond?
Alchemy of course. :rolleyes:
 
Sorry responders, I meant coal not gold-the laugh is on me- it must have been a long day.
PS
 
  • #10
Ah.

ATW*, coal is between 65% and 90% carbon, depending on the type. So...



*(According to Wiki)
 
  • #11
How cool would it be to be Lois Lane? Anytime she wants a diamond, she just has Superman use his super strength to squeeze a lump of coal. But is this really possible? Using a high enough temperature and enough pressure, can you turn coal into diamonds? To answer this, we have to address the nature and formation of coal and the nature and formation of diamonds.

First, though, we have to talk about the carbon atom and what makes it so special. "My carbon is too soft" "My carbon is too impure" "My carbon is just right." Brian Diskin Carbon: One Unique Atom There are over 100 different kinds of atoms in the universe, and carbon stands out as a unique atom.
 
  • #12
chicopee said:
If I have one pound of gold heated and compressed into a diamond, what will the weight of the diamond be?
PS

These Alchemists keep getting greedier!
 

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