Matter

 

General Statements

Planet warmed up early

To the point where the matter it is composed of melted

At surface, where exposed to space, it cooled

Formed crystalline solids composed of minerals

 

Definition of terms

Matter: Anything which has mass and occupies space

Cannot be destroyed (or created)

Atomic structure: Protons, neutrons, electrons, etc.

Nucleus has 99.9% of mass but 1 X 10-9 of volume (one billionth)

Sound familiar? (the sun)

Atoms very small

One grain table salt: 4.5 X 1019 atoms

Elements: Discuss the Periodic table

Density: mass per unit volume

Specific Gravity

Bonding: Chemical combination of elements

Three general types of bonding:

Ionic bonding: swap electrons, positive/negative attraction

Co-valent bonding: share electrons

Metallic bonding: excess electrons

Crystallization: Liquid to solid phase change

Phase change depends on:

Temperature - we already knew this

Pressure

Strength of bond

Minerals: Composed of elements in specific combinations

Magma: Liquid rock

A full range of compositions

Mafic to felsic

Rocks: Composed of minerals in specific combinations

 

To Summarize the order of physical reality

Earth --> Rocks --> Minerals --> Elements --> Atoms --> Protons, Electrons, Neutrons --> Sub-atomic Particles --> ????

 


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