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Chapter 5: Problem 3

Salt is a mineral, but the plastic making up an inexpensive pen is not. Why not? (A)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Salt is a mineral because it is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. On the other hand, plastic is not considered a mineral because it is a man-made, organic material with varying compositions and no defined crystalline structure. (A)

Step by step solution

01

Define minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure.
02

Define plastic

Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic material made from various organic polymers (carbon-based molecules) and can be molded or shaped into different forms.
03

Compare properties of minerals and plastics

Minerals and plastics differ in several key properties: - Minerals are naturally occurring, whereas plastics are man-made. - Minerals are inorganic, while plastics are composed of organic polymers. - Minerals have a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure, whereas plastics can have varying compositions and lack a well-defined crystalline structure.
04

Conclude why salt is a mineral and plastic is not

Based on the differences in properties, we can conclude that salt is considered a mineral because it is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. In contrast, plastic is not considered a mineral because it is a man-made, organic material with varying compositions and no defined crystalline structure. Answer: (A)

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Differences Between Minerals and Synthetics
When discussing minerals and synthetic materials, it's important to understand their fundamental differences. Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in nature. They arise without the intervention of humans, and occur in the Earth's crust. These include items like salt, quartz, and gold.
In contrast, synthetic materials, such as plastics, are created through human intervention. They are manufactured in labs or factories using a variety of processes. Key differences include:
  • Origin: Minerals are natural, while synthetics are man-made.
  • Components: Minerals are inorganic, often identified by their chemical makeup, such as salt being sodium chloride. Synthetics are often organic, created from carbon-based compounds.
  • Structure: Minerals have a well-organized, crystalline structure, while synthetics may lack this and display an amorphous structure.
Understanding these distinctions helps in correctly identifying and classifying various materials in practical settings.
Properties of Minerals
Minerals possess a range of well-defined properties that differentiate them from other substances. These properties are used by geologists and scientists to identify and categorize them. Notably, some of these properties include color, luster, and hardness, which refer to the mineral's appearance and resistance to scratching. In addition:
  • Specific Gravity: This measures a mineral's density compared to water. High specific gravity indicates a dense mineral like gold.
  • Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage describes how a mineral breaks along certain lines, while fracture is how it breaks without a distinct pattern.
  • Streak: The color of a mineral鈥檚 powder, which can be different from the color of the mineral itself, providing clues to its identification.
These properties make minerals uniquely identifiable and facilitate their use in various applications, from jewelry to industry.
Chemical Composition and Structure of Minerals
The chemical composition and structure of minerals play a significant role in their identification and classification. Each mineral is defined by a specific chemical formula that divulges the types and ratios of elements present. For instance, halite is composed of sodium and chlorine, represented by the formula NaCl. The crystalline structure of a mineral is another key aspect. This three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules creates a repeating pattern unique to each mineral, impacting its physical properties.
  • Crystalline Symmetry: This includes various forms, such as cubic, hexagonal, and tetragonal structures.
  • Bonding Types: The strength and type of bonding affect properties like hardness and cleavage. Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds are common in minerals.
  • Polymorphism: Some minerals can have the same chemical composition but different structures, leading to distinct physical forms, like diamond and graphite both being carbon.
These characteristics make chemical composition and structure foundational elements in mineral science.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare the chemical formula of magnetite with that of biotite. Why do we mine magnetite to obtain iron supplies, but we don't mine biotite? (C)

Describe the several ways that minerals can form. (B)

Imagine that you are given two milky white crystals, each about \(2 \mathrm{~cm}\) across. You are told that one of the crystals is plagioclase and the other is quartz. How can you determine which is which? (E)

Why isn't glass considered to be a mineral? (A)

How can you determine the hardness of a mineral? What is the Mohs hardness scale? (E)
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