The discussion centers on the reasons for the increase in melting temperature from sodium to aluminium, specifically exploring the roles of ions and atoms in this phenomenon. The scope includes conceptual understanding and potential implications for melting metals.
Participants express disagreement regarding the relevance of ions in the context of melting temperatures, with some insisting on their importance as per the markscheme, while others contest this view.
The discussion highlights a reliance on the markscheme for guidance, which may introduce limitations based on its definitions and requirements. The exact nature of the relationship between melting temperature and the atomic or ionic structure remains unresolved.
Borek said:If the question is about melting metals - ions have nothing to do with it.
jsmith613 said:The markscheme clearly stated that ions must be mentioned (the question is copied word for word)