Amalgam vs. Synthesis — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 5, 2024
Amalgam primarily refers to a physical mixture, often of mercury with another metal, while synthesis involves combining elements to form a coherent whole, typically in chemistry or ideas.
Difference Between Amalgam and Synthesis
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Key Differences
An amalgam is a specific type of material, typically referring to a blend of mercury with another metal used in dental fillings and various industrial applications. On the other hand, synthesis describes a process of combining separate elements or substances to form a cohesive entity, which is common in chemical reactions or in the synthesis of ideas in intellectual contexts.
Amalgams are known for their physical properties, such as durability and ease of manipulation, making them useful in practical applications. Whereas synthesis is valued for its ability to create new compounds or ideas that possess characteristics different from the original components.
The formation of an amalgam involves a physical mixture where the metallic properties are often retained. In contrast, synthesis can lead to chemical changes where the original properties of components are altered to create new substances with new properties.
In metallurgy, amalgams are essential for extracting metals like gold and silver because they bind to mercury, facilitating extraction. Conversely, synthesis in chemistry often leads to the creation of entirely new molecules, as seen in pharmaceuticals or plastics.
In broader terms, amalgam can also metaphorically describe a mixture or blend of diverse elements, such as cultural amalgamation. Synthesis, however, is frequently used to denote the integration of ideas or theories into a unified framework, particularly in philosophy and science.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A mixture of mercury with another metal
The combination of parts to form a whole
Usage
Primarily in dentistry and metallurgy
Broadly in chemistry, philosophy, and arts
Result
Physical blend retaining each component’s properties
Often produces new properties or concepts
Process
Physical mixing
Can involve physical or abstract combining
Example Context
Used in dental fillings and gold extraction
Used in drug creation and theoretical integration
Compare with Definitions
Amalgam
Amalgam can also refer to a mixture of diverse elements.
The city is an amalgam of different cultures and traditions.
Synthesis
In chemistry, synthesis refers to the combination of elements to form a new compound.
The synthesis of water occurs when hydrogen and oxygen combine.
Amalgam
Historically, amalgams have been used in extracting precious metals.
Miners used mercury amalgam to recover gold from ore.
Synthesis
Synthesis in literature often refers to blending narrative elements.
Her novel is a synthesis of historical facts and fiction.
Amalgam
In metallurgy, an amalgam is a soft mixture of mercury with another metal.
The gold amalgam was prepared to purify the gold.
Synthesis
Philosophical synthesis involves integrating diverse ideas into a cohesive theory.
His work on ethics is a synthesis of earlier moral philosophies.
Amalgam
In alchemy, an amalgam often involved mystical transformations.
The alchemist attempted to create a powerful amalgam of metals.
Synthesis
In art, synthesis can mean the creation of a new style by combining different artistic elements.
Modern architecture often involves the synthesis of function and form.
Amalgam
A dental amalgam is a material used to fill cavities in teeth.
The dentist used an amalgam to fill the hole in my molar.
Synthesis
In biology, synthesis can describe the formation of complex molecules like proteins.
Protein synthesis is essential for cell function and repair.
Amalgam
An alloy of mercury and silver used in dental fillings.
Synthesis
The combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole.
Amalgam
An alloy of mercury and tin used in silvering mirrors.
Synthesis
The complex whole so formed.
Amalgam
A combination of diverse elements; a mixture
An amalgam of strength, reputation, and commitment to ethical principles.
Synthesis
(Chemistry) Formation of a compound from simpler compounds or elements.
Amalgam
(metallurgy) An alloy containing mercury.
Synthesis
Reasoning from the general to the particular; logical deduction.
Amalgam
A combination of different things.
Synthesis
The combination of thesis and antithesis in the Hegelian dialectical process whereby a new and higher level of truth is produced.
Amalgam
One of the ingredients in an alloy.
Synthesis
The formation of something complex or coherent by combining simpler things.
Amalgam
To amalgamate.
Synthesis
(signal processing) Creation of a complex waveform by summation of simpler waveforms.
Amalgam
An alloy of mercury with another metal or metals; as, an amalgam of tin, bismuth, etc.
Synthesis
(chemistry) The reaction of elements or compounds to form more complex compounds.
Amalgam
A mixture or compound of different things.
Synthesis
(logic) A deduction from the general to the particular.
Amalgam
A native compound of mercury and silver.
Synthesis
(philosophy) The combination of thesis and antithesis.
Amalgam
To amalgamate.
Synthesis
(military) In intelligence usage, the examining and combining of processed information with other information and intelligence for final interpretation.
Amalgam
An alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth; except for iron and platinum all metals dissolve in mercury and chemists refer to the resulting mercury mixtures as amalgams
Synthesis
(rhetoric) An apt arrangement of elements of a text, especially for euphony.
Amalgam
A combination or blend of diverse things;
His theory is an amalgam of earlier ideas
Synthesis
(grammar) The uniting of ideas into a sentence.
Synthesis
(medicine) The reunion of parts that have been divided.
Synthesis
Composition, or the putting of two or more things together, as in compounding medicines.
Synthesis
The art or process of making a compound by putting the ingredients together, as contrasted with analysis; thus, water is made by synthesis from hydrogen and oxygen; hence, specifically, the building up of complex compounds by special reactions, whereby their component radicals are so grouped that the resulting substances are identical in every respect with the natural articles when such occur; thus, artificial alcohol, urea, indigo blue, alizarin, etc., are made by synthesis.
Synthesis
The combination of separate elements of thought into a whole, as of simple into complex conceptions, species into genera, individual propositions into systems; - the opposite of analysis.
Analysis and synthesis, though commonly treated as two different methods, are, if properly understood, only the two necessary parts of the same method. Each is the relative and correlative of the other.
Synthesis
The process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds)
Synthesis
The combination of ideas into a complex whole
Synthesis
Reasoning from the general to the particular (or from cause to effect)
Common Curiosities
What is an example of synthesis in philosophy?
Hegel's dialectic method, where thesis and antithesis are merged into a synthesis, is a famous example.
How does synthesis occur in chemistry?
Synthesis in chemistry involves the reaction of different substances to form a new compound with different properties.
Can amalgam be used outside of metallurgy and dentistry?
Yes, amalgam can also metaphorically describe any diverse mixture or blend, such as in cultural contexts.
What is an amalgam used for in dentistry?
Amalgam is used as a filling material for dental cavities due to its durability and ease of application.
Is amalgam safe for use in medical applications?
While amalgam is commonly used in dentistry, there are concerns about mercury exposure, leading to the increased use of alternative materials.
Why is amalgam declining in popularity as a dental material?
Concerns over mercury content and environmental health have led to the adoption of safer, mercury-free alternatives.
What does synthesis mean in the context of art?
In art, synthesis refers to the process of fusing various artistic elements to create a new, unified expression.
What are the environmental impacts of using amalgam?
The use of amalgam, especially in gold mining, can lead to significant environmental mercury contamination.
How is synthesis applied in writing?
Synthesis in writing involves combining information from various sources to form a comprehensive viewpoint or narrative.
What is the difference between an alloy and an amalgam?
An alloy is a mixture of metals generally melted together, whereas an amalgam is specifically a mixture involving mercury.
What are the benefits of using amalgam in industrial applications?
Amalgam's easy manipulation and durability make it valuable in various industrial processes, especially in metal extraction.
Can synthesis be used in technology development?
Yes, synthesis processes are crucial in developing new materials and technologies, especially in fields like nanotechnology and biotechnology.
What risks are associated with the disposal of amalgam?
Improper disposal can lead to mercury release, posing environmental and health risks.
Is synthesis only applicable to physical sciences?
No, synthesis is also a key concept in humanities and social sciences, where it pertains to the integration of ideas and theories.
How does synthesis affect innovation in science?
Synthesis drives scientific innovation by combining existing concepts to create new theories or products.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
