TaraaaK
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Homework Statement
Why can we assume that atoms in a solid material act like hard balls?
The Attempt at a Solution
because they are tightly packed together when in a solid state[/B]
Why do atoms in a solid act like hard balls?
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Why can we assume that atoms in a solid material act like hard balls?
because they are tightly packed together when in a solid state[/B]
Discussion
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PietKuip
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It is not really true, many solids have structures that are not like those of close-packed spheres.
It is approximately true because of the Pauli exclusion principle. But I do not know if that answer fits with what you learned in your course.
It is approximately true because of the Pauli exclusion principle. But I do not know if that answer fits with what you learned in your course.
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TaraaaK said:Homework Statement
Why can we assume that atoms in a solid material act like hard balls?
The Attempt at a Solution
because they are tightly packed together when in a solid state[/B]
I will counter that with
Why do YOU think the atoms in a liquid or gas act any differently ?
Do you think there is any difference between individual atoms of H and O in liquid water
compared with those in solid water ... eg. ice ?Dave
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