Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the phases of acetone and diphenyl at room temperature, specifically addressing the states of these substances based on their melting and boiling points. Participants explore the implications of these physical properties and question assumptions regarding their phases at 20 °C.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes that acetone has a melting point of -95°C and a boiling point of 56°C, questioning why it is assumed to be solid at room temperature.
- Another participant emphasizes that since room temperature (20°C) is above the melting point of acetone, it should be in a liquid state, challenging the assumption that it could be solid.
- A different participant argues that the normal phase of acetone at room temperature is liquid, suggesting that one cannot assume a substance is solid simply because it has not melted or boiled.
- One participant compares acetone's melting behavior to that of water, asserting that just because a substance has a low melting point does not mean it is solid at room temperature.
- Another participant reiterates that -95°C is the temperature at which solid acetone transitions to liquid, and at 20°C, it remains below the boiling point, reinforcing the idea that acetone is liquid.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the assumptions regarding the phases of acetone and diphenyl at room temperature. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the physical properties in relation to their states at 20°C.
Contextual Notes
Participants do not fully address the implications of diphenyl's melting point of 70°C and boiling point of 255°C, leaving its phase at room temperature unresolved. The discussion lacks clarity on the definitions and conditions under which the phases are determined.