I want answer on atomic level or even more basic.
2007-12-02 08:10:36 · 5 answers · asked by kerrigan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It has nothing to do with density.
Compare the density of liquid mercury to solid iron if you don't believe me (or water to ice).
2007-12-02 08:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, mountains are a compacted solid, but in fact if that solid deteriorates to some pebbels than you could easily get a rock slide.
However, rivers simply flow because the atomic structure of Water (H2O liquid) is composed of molocules that are loosley held together and are able to flow freely (they are not as compact as H2O solid for instance or even the atoms/molocules that make up the mountain), however if Water turns to H2O solid (ice) you would see that the river would not flow, it would simply stay in the same place.
2007-12-02 16:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by Aaron 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All solids will 'creep' under sufficient stress/pressure. Mountains are no different and do in fact 'bend' under the enormous pressures and temperatures of geology. Look at 'folds' in sedimentary layers, for one example, or the existence of mountain ranges for another, formed as 'crumple zones' when one tectonic plate collides with another.
The process is very slow, of course, but then so is the 'flow' of a glacier, which is made of 'solid' ice.
2007-12-02 16:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by za 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FLUIDS and SOLIDS
I sugggest at -273 degrees nothing flows
The molecules are free in fluids
but in solids they are fixed as in a lattice or matrix
2007-12-02 16:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the density is lower then the density of mountain thats y
2007-12-02 16:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by mehran b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋