Chapter 12, Problem 12.78P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relationship between the solid’s unit cell and crystal structure is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Solids can be classified into two types as follows:

1. Crystalline solids

2. Amorphous solids

In the amorphous solids, the atoms and the molecules are not arranged properly in the compound and therefore on the macroscopic level they are not well-defined in shape. Example of amorphous solids includes rubber because rubber has not well-defined shape.

In the crystalline solids, the atoms and the molecules are arranged properly in the compound so there is the well-defined arrangement. On the macroscopic level, they have a well-defined shape and structure. Example of crystalline solids includes the crystals of $\text{NaCl}$ because $\text{NaCl}$ has a well-defined arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice.