[meteorite-list] OT: For the Geologists and Math Wizards!

From: Chris Peterson <clp_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:47:48 -0600
Message-ID: <4F890F84.7060308_at_alumni.caltech.edu>

If the two combine as some sort of conglomerate (like a breccia), and
the combination doesn't result in voids, then the bulk density can't be
lower than the density of the lowest density material. But if the two
combine chemically, resulting in an alloy or in the formation of
different minerals, certainly the bulk density could be lower than
either of the constituents (because you could have an increase in volume).

Chris

*******************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

On 4/13/2012 9:04 PM, Jim Wooddell wrote:
> Hi all!
>
> I have a question that relates to meteorites...sort of.
>
>
> If I have two minerals that are combined that have two different
> densities, could the bulk density ever be lower the density of the
> mineral with the lowest density?
>
> Examples (to make it easy) Mineral 1 = 3g/cc Mineral 2 = 15g/cc
>
> IOWs could I ever have a density lower than 3g/cc???
>
> If yes, can I please see the math?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim
Received on Sat 14 Apr 2012 01:47:48 AM PDT