COULD THE ANCIENTS MELT PLATINUM FOR EXAMPLE?
2006-12-23 12:43:58 · 3 answers · asked by zorba1360 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Just using air the maximum flame temperature of wood, coal or other organics burning is just below 2000C. This is more than high enough to melt platinum (check webelements for melting temps of any other metals you are wondering about). The real issue is whether or not the ancients had the insulation capabilities for these high temperatures. Basic porcelain compositions would not be able to withstand that kind of heat, and would slump. The ability to contain those kind of temperatures amounts would require two things. First, it would require refining of ceramic materials, like aluminum oxide, to high purity. Second it would require them to be able to incorporate porosity (air) into the material to act as a good thermal insulator. So the short answer is no, but only because they were unable to engineer the proper insulative materials.
This is all confirmed by the historical fact that it took until the mid 1700's to even obtain a usable (malleable) piece of platinum
2006-12-23 13:07:59 · answer #1 · answered by Angry Marsupial 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ancients (pre-Colombian Native Americans) used platinum in their tools and jewelery.
The melting point of platinum is about 1800 C, you can reach that temp with the right types of coals and furnaces.
2006-12-23 20:55:23 · answer #2 · answered by Johnny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somewhere around 1000 - 1500 degrees F.
I don't know what the melting point of Platinum is... but you need a temp of around 600 to 700 to make iron hot enough to shape, which is what blacksmiths did back before electricity was around.
2006-12-23 20:46:49 · answer #3 · answered by Tim G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋