Which elements/compounds can be liquid on Venus?

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    Liquid Venus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential for elements or compounds to exist as liquids on the surface of Venus, considering its unique atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions. Participants explore hypothetical scenarios regarding the state of matter on Venus, particularly focusing on the possibility of liquid forms that could flow and rain down.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the conditions on Earth and Titan to frame the question about Venus.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for compounds to exist as both a liquid and a gas to allow for rain, suggesting evaporation is a necessary process.
  • A third participant proposes that any element or compound must have a melting point below 460° C and a boiling point above 460° C to potentially exist as a liquid on Venus.
  • A subsequent reply acknowledges the previous points and seeks clarification on which specific elements or compounds might meet these criteria.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the temperature and pressure conditions that must be met for a substance to exist as a liquid on Venus, but there is no consensus on which specific elements or compounds could fulfill these conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve which specific elements or compounds could exist as liquids on Venus, leaving open questions regarding the identification of such substances.

Ontophile
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I understand that, given Earth's distance from the Sun and it's atmospheric pressure, it is possible for liquid water to flow and to rain down on Earth's surface. I also understand that, given Titan's distance from the Sun and it's atmospheric pressure, it is possible for liquid methane to flow and to rain down on Titan's surface. My question is:

Given Venus's distance from the Sun and it's atmospheric pressure, which element(s)/compound(s) COULD (hypothetically) exist as a liquid and flow and rain down on Venus's surface?
 
Last edited:
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You mean which compounds could exist as BOTH a liquid and a gas? Without evaporation there can be no rain.
 
Any element or compound with a melting point less than 460° C and a boiling point greater than 460° C.
 
Drakkith-
quite right

Dr_Morbius-
...and which elements/compounds might those be?
 

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