- #1
Sciencestd
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Im bit confused about what is exactly the difference between the terms, which process every term describes ?
What is the difference between aggregation, nucleation and growth?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the definitions and differences between the terms aggregation, nucleation, growth, and coalescence in the context of crystal formation. Participants seek clarity on these processes and their specific roles in crystallization.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses confusion about the differences between aggregation, nucleation, and growth, seeking clarification on what each term describes.
- Another participant defines aggregation as the process where two or more entities stick together, nucleation as starting from 'zero', and growth as the transition from a non-zero state to a slightly larger state, specifically in the context of crystals.
- There is a reiteration of the definitions provided, confirming the focus on crystals and excluding biological processes.
- A participant introduces the term coalescence and questions its definition, indicating uncertainty about its relationship to aggregation.
- Another participant admits to not being familiar with coalescence, speculating that it may refer to a softer process occurring in the liquid phase or involving a near-perfect match in the early solid phase.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the basic definitions of aggregation, nucleation, and growth, but there is uncertainty regarding the term coalescence, with no consensus on its definition or relationship to the other processes.
Contextual Notes
Some definitions may depend on specific contexts or interpretations, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the precise nature of coalescence in relation to aggregation and crystallization processes.
- #2
BvU
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aggregation: two or more stick together
nucleation: a start from 'zero'
growth: from non-zero to a little more
We are talking crystals here, I hope ? (i.e. nothing biological
)
nucleation: a start from 'zero'
growth: from non-zero to a little more
We are talking crystals here, I hope ? (i.e. nothing biological
)
Last edited:
- #3
Sciencestd
- 60
- 9
Thank you so much for the answer :) , yes I'm talking about crystals and nothing biological :DBvU said:aggregation: two or more stick together
nucleation: a start from 'zero'
growth: from non-zero to a little more
We are talking crystals here, I hope ? (i.e. nothing biological
Then the coalescence which process it describes?
- #4
BvU
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A further question ! My answer: don't really know. Didn't encounter it so far. Googled 'crystal coalescence and aggregation' and get the impression coalescence is softer (either it happens in the liquid phase, or comes down to a near perfect match in the early solid phase -- but I speculate)
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.00771.pdf
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.00771.pdf
Last edited:
- #5
Sciencestd
- 60
- 9
BvU said:
The link is really useful thank you :)
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