Why do some elements require melting for them to bond

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the reasons why certain elements, particularly heavier ones, require melting to bond with other elements, forming metals with differing atomic compositions. It explores the role of temperature in these processes and the implications of atomic structure and diffusion in bonding, as well as the definitions of terms used in the inquiry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of melting for bonding in heavy elements and inquire about the role of temperature in this process.
  • One participant notes that most chemical reactions have an activation energy barrier that can be overcome thermally, suggesting that temperature increases reaction rates.
  • Concerns are raised about the vagueness of the original questions, particularly regarding the terms "form," "conform," and "inconform," which are not commonly used in scientific literature.
  • Another participant explains that heating a metal increases atomic diffusion, which is significantly higher in liquids than in solids, impacting the bonding process.
  • There is mention of the importance of atomic electron structure and atomic diameter in the bonding of metals, as well as distinctions between substitutional and interstitial alloys.
  • Some participants emphasize the need for clarity in terminology and definitions to facilitate meaningful discussion.
  • One participant notes that weight may influence bonding, particularly in the context of stoichiometric intermetallic compounds with different melting temperatures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and definitions of terms used in the discussion, with some finding the original questions vague and others attempting to address them. There is no consensus on the necessity of melting for bonding or the implications of temperature in this context.

Contextual Notes

Some terms used in the discussion, such as "conform" and "inconform," lack standard definitions in scientific literature, which may limit the clarity of the discussion. Additionally, the relationship between weight and bonding remains unresolved.

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Why do some elements, particularly the heavy ones, require melting for them to bond with other elements to create metals containing differing atoms? What role does temperature play in the form, conform, and inconform states of elements? And what role do the elements play in requiring temperature? Does weight have any thing to do with it?
 
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Most chemical reactions "come" with an activation energy barrier. This energy can be provided thermally, increasing the reaction rate.

What role does temperature play in the form, conform, and inconform states of elements?
These are not terms used by chemists or physicists -to the best of my knowledge - and are hence meaningless to me.

And what role do the elements play in requiring temperature?
Elements play no role in "requiring temperature".

Your questions are too vague and ill-defined. One can either treat them at face value and provide the trivial answer (as I did above) or spend countless hours figuring out what you meant. The thing about science is that all parts of it are well-defined, or at least, well described. It becomes difficult to answer questions that use terms that are neither commonplace in scientific literature nor defined within the post.

I'll reiterate something I've said before that you didn't seem to like: the only good way to really answer your questions is through a ground-up study of physics and chemistry. Getting semi-answers to semi-questions without a fundamental knowledge of the field is a complete waste of time and energy.
 
Last edited:
Why do some elements, particularly the heavy ones, require melting for them to bond with other elements to create metals containing differing atoms?
Most elements are in solid form at room temperature, except for the noble gases, F, Cl, H, N, O and liquid metal Hg.

When one refers to 'creating metals', is one referring to alloys which are a mixture of different metal elements. Heating a metal increases the atomic diffusion, and in liquids the atomic diffusion is very high compared with solids. Also, the chemistry (atomic electron structure) and atomic diameter are important factors. Some alloys are substitional, while others interstitial.

What role does temperature play in the form, conform, and inconform states of elements?
As Gokul indicated, the terms of conform and inconform do not meet with convention (and appear to be one's own terminology) and are therefore meaningless unless defined. Please use conventional terms.

And what role do the elements play in requiring temperature? Does weight have any thing to do with it?
See the above discussion on atomic diffusion. Also, some metals for stoichiometric intermetallic compounds which had significantly different metal temperatures, e.g. Zr silicide, than the base solid solution.
 
Astronuc said:
Most elements are in solid form at room temperature, except for the noble gases, F, Cl, H, N, O and liquid metal Hg.

bromine is also a liquid at STP
 

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