When gallium melts, several changes occur on a microscopic level:
1. Breaking of crystal lattice: Gallium has a crystal lattice structure in its solid state. As it is heated and reaches its melting point of 29.7 degrees Celsius (85.5 degrees Fahrenheit), thermal energy is provided to the atoms. This energy breaks the intermolecular forces between the atoms, causing the crystal lattice to break down.
2. Disruption of ordered arrangement: As the crystal lattice breaks down, the ordered arrangement of atoms is disrupted. The atoms become more disordered and move more freely.
3. Transformation into liquid state: The disruptive movement of atoms and breaking of the crystal lattice allows the gallium to transform into its liquid state. The atoms are no longer held in fixed positions and can move and flow around each other.
4. Increase in atomic mobility: In the liquid state, the atoms are no longer rigidly held in place as in the solid state. The increase in temperature causes greater atomic mobility, as there is sufficient energy to overcome the interatomic forces.
5. Random arrangement: In the liquid state, the gallium atoms have a random arrangement as they move and flow freely. Each atom has a higher degree of disorder and can occupy any position within the liquid.
Overall, when gallium melts, the solid crystal lattice breaks down, and the atoms become more disordered and mobile, transforming into a liquid state.
When gallium melts which changes will occur on a microscopic level?
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