Chemistry 1302A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1.1: Ideal Gas Law
30 Jan 2018
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Document Summary
Atoms are locked into a fixed position relative to other in the substance. The force that holds this lattice together can be extremely string (ionic solids) or extremely weak (atomic solids like the inert gases) The strength of these interactions determine the melting point. The stronger the interaction, the higher the melting point. Although atoms in a solid are not moving relative to each other, they always possess vibrational energy, even at absolute zero. When vibrational nodes overcome the attractive forces, the atoms will lose their fixed positions and become a liquid. Attraction between the atoms still keeps them touching, but are free to move about within a sea of their partners. Each atoms takes up more space than in a sloid due to increased motion. Forces that hold atoms together are completely overcome and are able to escape from their partner"s grip. Expands to fill the shape and volume of their container.
