SCIENTISTS examining potassium have discovered a new state of physical matter where atoms can exist as both solid and liquid at the same time.
The research is said to clear up whether there was a distinct state of matter or the atom structures represented a transition between two stages - whether solid, liquid or gas.
Tests were carried out on the "simple metal", such as applying high pressures and temperatures, with powerful computer simulations used to study what was known as the chain-melted state.
Experts from the University of Edinburgh believe more than half a dozen other elements - including sodium and bismuth - are capable of existing in this new state.
Dr Andreas Hermann, of the university's School of Physics and Astronomy, led the study which is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
He said: "Potassium is one of the simplest metals we know, yet if you squeeze it, it forms very complicated structures.
"We have shown that this unusual but stable state is part solid and part liquid.
"Recreating this unusual state in other materials could have all kinds of applications."
The study was supported by the European Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the work was carried out in collaboration with scientists from Xi'an Jiantong University in China.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel