Silicate minerals are characterized by their fundamental building block, the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron, which consists of a siliconatom bonded to four oxygenatoms in a three-dimensional arrangement. The arrangement of these tetrahedra and the presence of other elements give rise to the diverse range of silicate minerals.
Silicate minerals are classified into several groups:
Framework Silicates (Tectosilicates): These minerals have a three-dimensional framework of interconnected tetrahedra, forming a rigid structure. Examples include quartz and feldspar.
Sheet Silicates (Phyllosilicates): These minerals have a two-dimensional sheet-like structure, with tetrahedra arranged in sheets. Examples include micas and clays.
Chain Silicates (Inosilicates): These minerals have a chain-like structure, where tetrahedra are linked in chains. Examples include pyroxenes and amphiboles.
Single Tetrahedra (Nesosilicates): These minerals consist of isolated tetrahedra not connected in chains, sheets, or frameworks. Examples include olivine and garnet.
When studying silicate minerals, consider the following key points:
Understand the structure of the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron and how it forms the basis of silicate minerals.
Learn to identify and classify silicate minerals based on their structural characteristics and chemical composition.
Explore the geological significance of silicate minerals and their roles in the formation of different types of rocks.
Examine the industrial and commercial applications of silicate minerals and their economic importance.
Practice identifying common silicate minerals through visual recognition and mineral testing techniques.
By mastering the properties and classifications of silicate minerals, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Earth'scomposition and the diverse applications of these essential minerals.
Energy - A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related through Einstein's equation E=mc 2 . B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion. C. Changes in entropy and energy that accompany chemical reactions influence reaction paths. Chemical reactions result in the release or absorption of energy. D. The theory of electromagnetism explains that electricity and magnetism are closely related. Electric charges are the source of electric fields. Moving charges generate magnetic fields. E. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy.