Whenever I’m thinking about something outside of the realm of human experience, like an unimaginably long amount of time or a vast distance I have no basis to understand, I like to make comparisons.
They might indeed, although we might need to have a deeper conversation about what we mean by "judgement." It's a judgement call whether to take that 3 point shot with 30 seconds left in the game when you're only down by 2, for instance.
The intent of a judgement? I don't think so, no, not necessarily. I think judgement is generally used to avoid pitfalls, to determine which outcome is more desirable.
Very Fun ... just read yesterday that the sun burns 4 million tons per second so it was great to have that comparison and all the others you offer. Especially like thinking about my blood vessels wrapping around the earth twice!
However, you left me with a question wanting an answer ... why are diamond atoms so far apart? You'd think all that space might leave them squishy.
I'm not sure I've ever shared the whole "inside of the atom" picture with you, but if you can imagine a full sized soccer or football stadium, the nucleus of the atom is more or less like a mosquito in the middle of the field, and the atom is the entire stadium. That's how much empty space there is inside of atoms.
A full answer would involve a much deeper dive than I'm qualified to boil down here, but it's a great question!
Oh, my bad - they definitely are farther apart than other atoms in other molecules, for sure. MUCH further, in fact. The rest is still above my pay grade!
Fun question … here’s what ChatGPT says: … and there are several words here I understand.
Atoms in diamond molecules are not necessarily farther apart compared to atoms in other molecules; instead, the arrangement and bonding between atoms in a diamond are unique, leading to its characteristic properties.
Crystal Structure: Diamond has a crystal lattice structure where each carbon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four other carbon atoms. This structure forms a very rigid three-dimensional network.
Bonding: The carbon atoms in diamond are bonded through strong covalent bonds. Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with neighboring carbon atoms. The strength and stability of these bonds contribute to diamond's hardness.
Bond Length: The bond length in diamond, which is the distance between two bonded carbon atoms, is about 1.54 Å (angstroms). This bond length is relatively short and typical for carbon-carbon single bonds.
Density and Arrangement: Despite the rigid bonding structure, the arrangement of atoms in diamond is very dense due to the tetrahedral bonding pattern. This dense packing contributes to the diamond's high density and hardness.
In summary, the atoms in diamond are not farther apart than in other molecules; instead, they are tightly and rigidly bonded in a three-dimensional lattice, contributing to the unique properties of diamond.
Analogies... They work.
Analogies are like glasses: they help you see things more clearly, but only if they’re the right prescription.
And like glass, if you use them wrong they become fragile and break.
Also like silicon, from which glass is made: they're incredibly versatile!
"Sun is single-handedly responsible for global warming" - Andrew Smith, 2024
"The Sun has hands."
-Nest 2.0
Lol
Great comparisons. The bible is right after all. Humans are insignificant seen in the context of the universe.
Very cool thread. Cliff would be proud. 😉
Justice for Cliff!
This is why putting the galaxy on Orion’s Belt was such a great bit in Men in Black
What would a flat-earther say about your blood vessels wrapped around the Earth statement?
Totally still works! You just have to go around all four edges.
Wait, I thought flat Earth was round?
I meant all four curves. Duh!
It wasn't Norm that appeared on "Jeopardy!" on Cheers; it was Cliff. And he bombed...
Thanks, David. Someone else also pointed out this egregious (for a kid who grew up during the 80s) error!
He did bomb, but only in Final Jeopardy. Honestly, though, his final question was pretty good.
Might comparisons eventually lead to judgements?
They might indeed, although we might need to have a deeper conversation about what we mean by "judgement." It's a judgement call whether to take that 3 point shot with 30 seconds left in the game when you're only down by 2, for instance.
Is the intent to possibly gain something?
The intent of a judgement? I don't think so, no, not necessarily. I think judgement is generally used to avoid pitfalls, to determine which outcome is more desirable.
Very Fun ... just read yesterday that the sun burns 4 million tons per second so it was great to have that comparison and all the others you offer. Especially like thinking about my blood vessels wrapping around the earth twice!
However, you left me with a question wanting an answer ... why are diamond atoms so far apart? You'd think all that space might leave them squishy.
I'm not sure I've ever shared the whole "inside of the atom" picture with you, but if you can imagine a full sized soccer or football stadium, the nucleus of the atom is more or less like a mosquito in the middle of the field, and the atom is the entire stadium. That's how much empty space there is inside of atoms.
A full answer would involve a much deeper dive than I'm qualified to boil down here, but it's a great question!
Thanks … I probably misinterpreted the diamond line … I thought you were saying its atoms were farther apart than other things and their atoms.
I’ve been trying to wrap my head around all that empty space for years … so far it’s like that mosquito buzzing.
Thanks for all your explorations.
Oh, my bad - they definitely are farther apart than other atoms in other molecules, for sure. MUCH further, in fact. The rest is still above my pay grade!
Fun question … here’s what ChatGPT says: … and there are several words here I understand.
Atoms in diamond molecules are not necessarily farther apart compared to atoms in other molecules; instead, the arrangement and bonding between atoms in a diamond are unique, leading to its characteristic properties.
Crystal Structure: Diamond has a crystal lattice structure where each carbon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four other carbon atoms. This structure forms a very rigid three-dimensional network.
Bonding: The carbon atoms in diamond are bonded through strong covalent bonds. Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with neighboring carbon atoms. The strength and stability of these bonds contribute to diamond's hardness.
Bond Length: The bond length in diamond, which is the distance between two bonded carbon atoms, is about 1.54 Å (angstroms). This bond length is relatively short and typical for carbon-carbon single bonds.
Density and Arrangement: Despite the rigid bonding structure, the arrangement of atoms in diamond is very dense due to the tetrahedral bonding pattern. This dense packing contributes to the diamond's high density and hardness.
In summary, the atoms in diamond are not farther apart than in other molecules; instead, they are tightly and rigidly bonded in a three-dimensional lattice, contributing to the unique properties of diamond.
The lattice seems to take up a ton of space in diamonds! Check out APF (Atomic Packing Factor) if you want to dive a hair deeper.
At the risk of being way over my head, I will.