Boiling point vs. freezing point

In summary, the question is asking which element has the smallest difference between its boiling and freezing points and therefore transitions through phases the fastest. However, this question may be more complex than initially thought, as certain elements have a state where all three phases are present at the same time and temperature. Additionally, short-lived radioactive elements may also have unique properties that affect their phase changes. A possible rephrasing of the question could be "At atmospheric pressure, which element has the closest phase change?"
  • #1
maximus
495
4
this is going to sound like an odd question, but which element has its boiling point and its freezing point closest together? by which i mean, which transitions through the phases the fastest?
 
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  • #2
Perhaps a more complex question than yopu realize. For example; water has a state known as "http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/staff/blynds/3pt.html [Broken]", in which all three phases are present in the same environment and at the same temperature.
 
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  • #3
Same pressure and temperature.

And what about those short lived radioactive elements? We will never know about those either,or at least for a good while.
 
  • #4
How about rephrasing the question to "At atmospheric pressure...What element has the closest phase change?"
 

What is the difference between boiling point and freezing point?

The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. The freezing point, on the other hand, is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid.

How are boiling point and freezing point affected by external factors?

Both boiling point and freezing point can be affected by external factors such as air pressure and the presence of impurities. Higher air pressure typically results in a higher boiling point, while the presence of impurities can lower both the boiling point and freezing point of a substance.

Why does water have a higher freezing point than other liquids?

Water has a higher freezing point than other liquids because of its unique molecular structure. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules make it more difficult for them to move and form a solid, resulting in a higher freezing point.

How does altitude affect the boiling and freezing points of water?

As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. This means that at higher altitudes, water will boil at a lower temperature and freeze at a higher temperature due to the lower air pressure.

What is the significance of knowing the boiling and freezing points of a substance?

The boiling and freezing points of a substance are important for various reasons. They can help determine the purity of a substance, aid in cooking and food preservation, and are crucial in various industrial processes. They can also provide valuable information about the properties of a substance and how it may behave under different conditions.

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