What is crystallization?
Q: What is crystallization?
A: Crystallization is the way that atoms link up in a regular structure and held together by chemical bonds or connected groups. It can be from a melt, solution, or gas and can be natural or artificial.
Q: What are the two major steps of crystallization?
A: The two major steps of crystallization are nucleation and crystal growth. Nucleation is the appearance of a crystalline phase from a supercooled liquid or supersaturated solvent, while crystal growth is the increase in size of particles which leads to a crystal state.
Q: How does artificial crystallization work?
A: Artificial crystallization works by creating a supersaturated solution where there are more solute molecules than under ordinary conditions. This can be achieved through methods such as solvent evaporation, cooling, and chemical reaction.
Q: What happens during primary nucleation?
A: Primary nucleation is the first stage of crystallization and involves the growth of new crystals.
Q: How does secondary nucleation occur?
A: Secondary nucleation occurs when existing crystals continue to grow due to removal not being an issue. It also requires existing crystals for it to take place.
Q: How does 'drowning' work in relation to supersaturation? A: 'Drowning' involves adding a nonsolvent into the solution which decreases its solubility so that it becomes supersaturated with solute molecules.
