Sodium metal is soft with low melting point and low heat of fusion because metallic bond is week. Sodium metal has 1 valence electron per atom,
THE METALLIC BOND IS WEEK therefore it is not very strong so, SODIUM METAL IS SOFT..
OTHER metals are hard because they have strong metallic bonding,
These metals have high melting point because they have incomplete valence shell ,
As a result strong covalent bond between atom extends through out the crystals so,
THEY'RE HARD METALS.
(ANSWER FROM TAZEEM HAJRA)
There are different properties of each element that make them all different. Hardness and softness are one of the physical properties.
The hardness of a mineral is reliant on its chemical composition and crystalline structure. The type of atomic bonding between elements comprising the crystal is the most important factor.
well It Is hard because all rocks are hard
There are types of igneous rocks that are hard (eg granite) and others that are soft (eg volcanic ash). There are types of metamorphic rocks that are hard (eg gneiss) and others that are soft (eg marble). Thus "hardness" is not a characteristic that can be used to distinguish between the two.
They may be smooth and others may be rough. Smoothness/roughness is not a defining characteristic for igneous rocks.
These are some characteristics which are used to help identify rocks: fracture, color, hardness, tenacity, texture, strata, banding, color, resistance to acids, and weight.
lake water is soft we have some by are cottage which we swim in the seaweed and smooth rocks help it to be soft i have to say interesting question
Hard matrix is supposed to be used for digging hard rocks and soft matrix for soft rocks. It's quite confusing to me
well It Is hard because all rocks are hard
Igneous rock is considered "hard" rock by geologists due to its interlocking crystalline structure.
Generally speaking, when a geologist talks of "soft rocks" and "hard rocks" what he or she means is "sedimentary rocks" or "igneous and metamorphic rocks". Limestone is a sedimentary rock, and compared to most other rocks, is relatively soft. lol Different limestones have different hardnesses. Most "marbles" are actually hard limestones, because they have not experienced the high pressures and temperatures required for metamorphism.
compared to most rocks sandstone is rather soft and brittle, but the hardness of it varies greatly from rock to rock, some sandstone is so soft it can be crushed by stamping on it while other sandstone is so hard it can be used to build buildings
There are types of igneous rocks that are hard (eg granite) and others that are soft (eg volcanic ash). There are types of metamorphic rocks that are hard (eg gneiss) and others that are soft (eg marble). Thus "hardness" is not a characteristic that can be used to distinguish between the two.
well,the world may never know
The Characteristics are hard,soft,smooth,rough,large,small,etc.
They may be smooth and others may be rough. Smoothness/roughness is not a defining characteristic for igneous rocks.
Rocks formed from thermal metamorphism are very hard. An example is hornfels. Just search thermal metamorphism and/or hornfels and you'll see some nice explanations on the web.
Comparatively hard, due to larger interlocking crystals and a higher density than most igneous/sedimentary rocks
No. Some metals are hard, but some are soft.