The discussion centers on the relationship between the number of protons in an element and the resulting differences in properties such as color, texture, and form, with specific examples of gold and mercury. The scope includes theoretical considerations from quantum mechanics and chemistry.
Participants express differing views on the role of protons versus electrons in determining chemical properties, with some emphasizing the importance of electrons while others discuss the implications of proton numbers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the primary factors influencing elemental properties.
There are assumptions about the relationship between protons, electrons, and chemical properties that are not fully explored. The discussion also relies on principles from quantum mechanics and theoretical chemistry that may not be universally accepted or fully understood by all participants.
Dr Lots-o'watts said:Here's a sample crude line of thought.
1. The number of protons dictate the number of electrons.
2. The number of electrons, along with shroedinger's equation and the exclusion principle (Quantum Mechanics), dictate the geometry of the electron shells.
3. In gold 79, the odd number suggests there is a shell that is not filled, so the nucleus can better interact through it and make bonds with other atoms.
4. In mercury 80, the number is even, and it so happens that its particular shells better hide the nucleus from exterior atoms. Bonds are thus much weaker than with gold. In the case of mercury, so weak that it's liquid (in Xenon, so weak that it's gas).
Another line of thought :
The shells dictate the atomic radius, which largely defines crystal structure, which defines the energy levels, which define which colors can be absorbed or emitted.
The shape of electron orbitals are described by quantum mechanics, and how these orbitals define macroscopic properties is the subject of theoretical chemistry.
granpa said:its the electrons that determine the chemical properties