Hardness vs. density (for Elements)

In summary, there is no direct correlation between hardness and density on the periodic table. While diamond is the hardest element, it is not necessarily high in density. There are no known correlations between the two properties. One suggestion to explore this further is to randomly choose 20 elements and create a scatter plot. Gold and lead are examples of elements that have high density but are also soft, as evidenced by being able to leave a tooth mark on 24k gold. Mercury is another element that does not fit the expected correlation between hardness and density.
  • #1
jmatejka
128
1
I heard someone suggest a correlation between the two, my guess is NO direct correlation exists.

Pick an Element on the periodic table, hardness and density do not always correlate. I'm sure atomic lattace structure plays a larger role here.

Diamond is the hardest, but by no means high in density.

Any loose correlations between hardness and density? None that I know of...

Thanks, John
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Why not pick 20 elements at random and make a scatter plot?
 
  • #3
ya those 2 definitely do not correlate gold and lead are very dense and very soft .
you cab bite into 24k gold and leave a tooth mark. And what about mercury.
 

Related to Hardness vs. density (for Elements)

What is the difference between hardness and density?

Hardness and density are two different physical properties of matter. Hardness refers to the ability of a material to resist deformation, while density is a measure of how tightly packed the particles in a substance are.

How is hardness measured?

There are several methods for measuring hardness, including the Mohs scale, Brinell scale, and Vickers scale. These methods involve applying a specific amount of pressure or force to the material and measuring how much the material resists or deforms.

What factors affect the hardness and density of elements?

The hardness and density of elements can be affected by various factors, such as atomic structure, crystal lattice, and temperature. For example, elements with a strong and compact crystal lattice tend to have higher hardness and density.

Which elements have the highest hardness and density?

The hardest elements on the Mohs scale are diamond and boron, while the densest elements are osmium and iridium. However, it should be noted that hardness and density can vary depending on the form and structure of an element.

Is there a relationship between hardness and density?

There is not a direct relationship between hardness and density. Some materials may have high hardness but low density, while others may have low hardness but high density. However, in general, materials with high density tend to have higher hardness as well.

Similar threads

I Current's Effect on Electrical Arcs
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
627
Can ChatGPT Handle Complex Physics Questions Accurately?
    • General Discussion
6
Replies
190
Views
9K
I Time travel is a fact or fiction.?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Why wasn't fluorine used as a standard for atomic mass?
    • Chemistry
Replies
6
Views
2K
B The Mystery of Blackbird: Exploring Wind Power Leverage
    • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
69
Views
11K
Elements of truth - Moseley, Bohr, recognition and teaching.
    • STEM Educators and Teaching
Replies
2
Views
2K
How do we know the mass of an electron?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
28
Views
2K
Magnetostatics: What if "steady" currents were divergent?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Correlation vs causation in biology/biochemistry
    • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
21
Views
3K
Interpretation of deformation electron density maps (for Al alloys)
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top