Chapter 3, Problem 82A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The element that melts first is to be identified.

Concept Introduction : Temperature is the measure of an object’s heat or cold. The relation between kelvin and Celsius is given as:

  $\text{K}{\text{=}}^{\circ }\text{C}\text{+}\text{273}$

Answer to Problem 82A

The melting point of germanium is low, so it melts first.

Explanation of Solution

The degree Celsius and the kelvin are two regularly used equivalent units of temperature by scientists.

The relation between kelvin and Celsius is given as:

  $\text{K}{\text{=}}^{\circ }\text{C}\text{+}\text{273}$

The melting point of germanium is $1210\text{K}$ .

The melting point of gold is ${1064}^{\circ }\text{C}$ .

To calculate the melting point of gold in kelvin, substitute the values in the above formula.

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{K}{\text{=}}^{\circ }\text{C}\text{+}\text{273}\\ \text{=}{1064}^{\circ }\text{C}+273\\ =1274\text{K}\end{array}$

The melting point of gold is $1274\text{K}$ .

In comparing the melting point of germanium and gold, germanium has a lower temperature, so germanium will melt first.