|
Summary of Structure
Matters |
. |
Here again, as for the classic polyhedra of the previous lesson, the
structure of |
space is seen to greatly influence the forms that atomic structures take.
The striking |
geometry and symmetry exhibited by elements and minerals results from the |
. |
dynamic interplay of their individual chemical properties acted out in the
context of |
. |
spatial constraints. The regularity and periodicity afforded by the
crystal lattice |
. |
structure enables individual atoms to build extended solids as they pack
together in |
response to the physical and chemical factors present in their immediate
micro- |
. |
environment. |
. |
This all pervasive mating of form with function permits a great diversity of
matter |
to
be created while preserving the fundamental ordering and unifying principles |
that give it shape. The extent to which atoms avail themselves of
these organizing |
principles depends on the intrinsic and extrinsic forces acting on them and
what |
advantages and disadvantages such ordering offers in their ceaseless
striving to |
reach the highest state of stability and equilibrium as possible. |
|
These same
organizing principles and dynamics greatly influence the design of |
man-made
structures as will be shown in the next lesson on structural engineering. |
And you
will see that the same principles structural engineers employ to design |
stable
structures also explain the underlying physical processes that govern how |
atoms pack
together so as to balance the intrinsic and extrinsic forces acting on
|
them. |
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Page
76 - Structure matters - Summary |
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