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Chapter 13: Problem 2

(a) What is crystallization? (b) Cite two properties that may be improved by crystallization.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Crystallization can improve the purity and mechanical properties of a substance. It enhances purity by causing solute molecules to interact with each other and form crystals, leaving impurities behind in the solvent, while it improves mechanical properties by creating a regular and stable crystal lattice structure that results in increased strength, rigidity, and resistance to deformation or wear.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Crystallization

Crystallization is a process in which a solid is formed from a solution by forming a crystalline structure. This occurs when the solution becomes saturated with the dissolved substance, causing it to precipitate and solidify into an ordered structure with a distinct geometry. This process is commonly used in chemistry or material science to purify a substance or improve its properties.
02

Property 1: Improved Purity

One property that can be improved by crystallization is the purity of the substance. When a solution becomes saturated, the solute molecules or ions are more likely to interact with each other and form crystals rather than interact with the solvent molecules. Since impurities usually have a different structure than the desired substance, they don't fit well into the growing crystal lattice. As a result, they are left behind in the solvent, leading to a purer solid.
03

Property 2: Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Another property that can be improved by crystallization is the mechanical properties of the material, such as its strength, hardness, and toughness. When a substance forms crystals, the regular arrangement and strong intermolecular or ionic bonds within the crystal lattice provide a more stable structure, resulting in greater strength and rigidity. Furthermore, crystallization can improve a material's resistance to deformation, fracture, or wear, thus enhancing its overall mechanical performance.

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