MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Dear sir, Unfortunately, in my opinion your hypothesis is incorrect. There are differences in volume between the various atoms. This is clearly visible in the various crystals. Because of the volume which ions occupy in a crystal packing, combination of certain positive and negative ions in a crystal structure (read combinations of different volumes) lead to different threedimensional packing into the crystal. According to your hypothesis all crystals would have the same structure. Also when hypothesizing about the same volumes for every atom, it would lead to the same volume occupied by increasing numbers of electrons. This of course would lead to increasing ground energy of the atoms in the periodic system. Since up to lead (82 electrons) stable isotopes are proven, it would be very unlikely in this hypothesis that these atoms are stable. Concerning your hypothesis on 100 g of feathers leading to 100 g of lead when compressed to the same volume. Feathers are composed of organic compounds, mainly composed of C,H,O,N and S atoms. Theoretically atomic fusion at extremely high pressure and temperatures might lead to formation of lead, though it is known from nuclear fusion in stars that the ultimate destiny of nuclei in stars is in formation of iron. Yours sincerely, J. van der Rijt, MSc
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