Physical properties of a mineral are a result of the arrangement of the atoms in
ID: 296411 • Letter: P
Question
Physical properties of a mineral are a result of the arrangement of the atoms in the mineral. Use this fact to explain the following: A. One mineral has a density of 2.7 g/ml while another has a density of 5.1 g/ml B. The mineral mica cleaves into thin flat sheets while olivine does not show cleavage Physical properties of a mineral are a result of the arrangement of the atoms in the mineral. Use this fact to explain the following: A. One mineral has a density of 2.7 g/ml while another has a density of 5.1 g/ml B. The mineral mica cleaves into thin flat sheets while olivine does not show cleavage A. One mineral has a density of 2.7 g/ml while another has a density of 5.1 g/ml B. The mineral mica cleaves into thin flat sheets while olivine does not show cleavageExplanation / Answer
density is equal to mass by volume from the above equation we can see that the density of a substance depends on two quantities . mass -some substances are heavier than others and at atom of iron is heavier than a carbon atom. different atoms have different masses and different substances are made up of different atoms .
volume -some substances have particles spaced further apart than others for example particles in solids are more closely packed than in liquid and gases these are the two main determinants in the density of a substance.
2. Cleavage planes had to do with Bond strength and Bond geometry if there isn't a plane of bonds that can be cut through then you won't get cleavage when a mineral is fractured the fracture wants to take the part where the total energy required to break all of the bonds along the path is at minimum. in olivine all of the bonds are of same strength and are strong and the geometry is such that we cannot find a plane that will cut through all of the bonds .the cleavage Plains formed between the silicates sheets , in mica the cleavage Plains formed between the silicate sheets. the silica bonds are strong. the sheets are held Together by weaker ionic bonds. Thus mica have cleavage and cleaves into flat sheets.