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Solids can often diffuse into a liquid, but a solid cannot diffuse into another solid.

Question

Solids can often diffuse into a liquid, but a solid cannot diffuse into another solid.

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Solution

This statement is generally true due to the differences in molecular structure and movement in solids and liquids.

  1. Solids have a tightly packed molecular structure: The molecules in a solid are closely packed together and vibrate around a fixed point. This means there is not much free space for other molecules to move into.

  2. Liquids have a looser molecular structure: The molecules in a liquid are not as tightly packed as in a solid and can move around more freely. This allows for the molecules of a solid (when it is in contact with the liquid) to move into the spaces between the liquid's molecules.

  3. Diffusion is a process of movement from high concentration to low concentration: When a solid is in contact with a liquid, the molecules of the solid can move from an area of high concentration (the solid) to an area of low concentration (the liquid). This is the process of diffusion.

  4. Diffusion in solids: In solids, the lack of free space and the limited movement of the molecules makes diffusion extremely slow or even impossible. That's why we don't see diffusion happening in solids under normal conditions.

So, while a solid can diffuse into a liquid, it is not typically possible for a solid to diffuse into another solid due to these molecular characteristics.

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