Short answer questions on Solid state physics

[closed]

1. Platinum is silver and shiny. Why?
2. Aluminum oxide can be either transparent, red or blue. How?
3. Quartz is transparent. Why?

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF. You must show your own attempt at answering these homework/coursework questions before we can provide any tutorial assistance -- that's in the PF Rules link at the top of the page.

So what are your answers?

 

[thomate1]

1. Platinum is silver and shiny because of its unique electronic structure. It has a high number of valence electrons, which are loosely bound and can easily move around, making it a good conductor of electricity. This also allows for the reflection of light, giving it a shiny appearance.

2. The color of aluminum oxide can vary due to the presence of impurities or defects in its crystal structure. When pure, it is transparent because its atoms are arranged in a regular pattern that allows light to pass through undisturbed. However, when impurities or defects are present, they can absorb certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the material appearing red or blue.

3. Quartz is transparent because it is composed of a repeating pattern of silica tetrahedra. These tetrahedra are arranged in a way that allows light to pass through without being scattered or absorbed. This regular and uniform arrangement of atoms gives quartz its transparency.