Can We Truly See the Structures of Compounds in Chemistry and Physics?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the history of chemistry and physics and the challenges of determining the structure of compounds. It is mentioned that while some structures can be easily observed, others rely on theoretical models and can be disproven. The use of various forms of microscopy, such as AFM and STM, is also questioned as a means of "seeing" structures. Overall, the conversation raises the question of what truly constitutes "seeing" a structure in the field of chemistry and physics.
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lewis198
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hey guys, I was thinking about the history of chemistry/physics and thought:

Ok, we know from experimentation that there is matter that cannot be easily reduced, i.e. elements.

However the way we are taught about (in)organic chemistry at school assumes that the structure is a given. How does one tell the structure of a compound, without actually looking at it? Ok, salt would be easy, and metals, but what process would take place?

Does AFM, STM and other forms of microscopy hold promise of 'seeing' actual structures? Because it seems that many structures are just theory and can be falsified.
 
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for example the structure of DNA was not actually 'seen', it was just a model based on the experiments and theory of other physicists.
 
  • #3
What's seeing if not just bouncing photons off and back-inferring from the scattering pattern? Replace photons with electrons... or with neutrons... and you do the back-inferring on a computer... what's the difference?
 

Related to Can We Truly See the Structures of Compounds in Chemistry and Physics?

1. What is the history of chemistry?

The history of chemistry dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia, where people used natural substances to create dyes, perfumes, and medicines. In the Middle Ages, alchemy emerged as a precursor to modern chemistry, with the goal of transforming base metals into gold. It wasn't until the 18th century that chemistry became a recognized scientific discipline, with the work of scientists such as Antoine Lavoisier and Joseph Priestley.

2. Who were some influential figures in the history of chemistry?

There have been many influential figures in the history of chemistry, but some notable names include Robert Boyle, who is often referred to as the father of modern chemistry, Dmitri Mendeleev, who created the periodic table, and Marie Curie, who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Other influential figures include Antoine Lavoisier, John Dalton, and Linus Pauling.

3. How did the study of chemistry evolve into modern physics?

The study of chemistry and physics have always been intertwined, as many fundamental principles of chemistry are based on the laws of physics. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a shift towards understanding the fundamental nature of matter and energy, which led to the development of modern physics. This includes the discovery of subatomic particles, the theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics.

4. What are some important discoveries and advancements in the history of chemistry/physics?

There have been numerous important discoveries and advancements in the history of chemistry and physics. Some notable examples include the discovery of oxygen by Antoine Lavoisier, the development of the periodic table by Dmitri Mendeleev, and the discovery of radioactivity by Marie Curie. In physics, there have been major breakthroughs such as Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and the development of quantum mechanics by Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and others.

5. How has the study of chemistry and physics impacted our daily lives?

The study of chemistry and physics have greatly impacted our daily lives in many ways. These fields have led to advancements in medicine, technology, and materials that have greatly improved our quality of life. For example, the discovery of antibiotics has saved countless lives, and the development of new materials has led to innovations in transportation, communication, and energy production. Additionally, understanding the laws of physics has allowed us to explore and understand the world around us, from the smallest particles to the vastness of the universe.

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