Properties of atoms at superhigh pressure

Summary

As the atoms of the elements are compressed under pressures rising to superhigh values, a) at first electrons pass into unfilled levels permitted by the Pauli exclusion principle, with the result that “degeneration” of the normal chemical properties of the atoms occurs and the whole structure of the periodic system of elements changes its form, and b) the “crushing” of the electronic envelopes then occurs with delocalization of electrons, complete loss of the chemical distinctions between the particles, and formation of a universal metallic state of matter.

The paper examines the thermodynamics, quantum-chemical, and seismological data that support the above-stated views, and a hypothesis is advanced concerning the zonal structures of the interior of the earth and the physicochemical properties of the geochemical shells.