How to find the change in volume of a solid to a liquid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenge of calculating the change in volume when transitioning from solid granite to liquid granite, particularly in the context of phase changes. The participant is exploring methods to derive the necessary density values for both states to facilitate their calculations related to energy and phase transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The participant is attempting to calculate the density of solid granite and is seeking to understand the density of molten granite for their phase change calculations.
  • Some participants suggest considering experimental methods to determine the density change, although the original poster expresses hesitation about this approach due to their self-identified novice status.
  • The original poster is looking for a general rule of thumb or ratio to estimate the change in volume from solid to liquid, rather than exact values.
  • There is a reference to external resources, such as a Wikipedia page on granite, but it is unclear if this provides the specific information needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best method to determine the change in volume from solid to liquid granite. There are differing views on whether experimental methods are necessary or if preexisting data could suffice.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of available data on the specific densities of granite in its liquid state, as well as the participant's self-imposed constraints regarding the scope of their project.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to hobbyists exploring phase changes in materials, individuals studying geology or mineralogy, and those interested in the practical applications of density calculations in phase transitions.

NullusSum
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TL;DR
I need help finding the density of a liquid substance based on its original density as a solid. I believe I could acquire this from the change in volume during the solid to liquid phase. In my example, I used a specific composition of granite, and broke it down into its compound and elemental mass contributions.
Greetings. This is my first post here. I hope I can get some assistance for my problem.

Context​

Just to preface, this is just for a hobby and not any kind of homework or professional problem. With that said, I have been writing calculation step-by-step guides on phase changes in an effort to teach myself the methods. In my chemical composition guide, I use granite that is composed of 60% orthoclase, 30% quartz, 5% hornblende, and 5% biotite. From this, the density and mass contribution fractions of these mineral compounds were used to calculate the density of solid granite (~2.617 g/cm3) which I had planned to apply universally in the different phase changes.

Problem​

Provided I can find the specific heat capacities of each element in their solid state, I believe proceeding from here with finding the energy to melt granite is easy enough. However, where I faltered is I did not consider that the density of granite would not be persistent in vaporization due to the change in volume a solid to a liquid undergoes. The value I acquired is strictly for granite in its solid form, not liquid/molten granite. So if I wished to continue on from here, I would have to obtain the liquid density of the mineral compounds.

Help​

Because information that is usually this specific is not available online, I would like to inquire if there is a seamless way to calculate the change in volume of a solid to a liquid. It would not have to be exact, but rather, just a general rule of thumb equation, like a ratio, would be sufficient for my guide. However, if such a method is non-existent, I would greatly appreciate some pointers in the right direction. Also, since my example is rather specific, I can elaborate on it if needed.
 
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Have you considered doing it experimentally?
 
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Chestermiller said:
Have you considered doing it experimentally?
I had not. That would probably be too ambitious for the scope of my small project. Especially for a layman like myself who is now only scratching the surface of these concepts, or at least that is how I view myself. My goal was to rely on preexisting data to solve for the [phase change] energies of granite mathematically. Do you think experimentation on my end is the only path to finding the answer I need?
 

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