Chapter 14, Problem 39QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The term crystalline solid should be explained. The kind of microscopic structure do such solids have must be explained. How is this microscopic structure reflected in macroscopic structure must also be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Solids are generally two types namely crystalline solid and amorphous solid. Crystalline solids are common among them. They have definite shape, they are rigid and non-compressible in nature. The faces of such solids are flats and they generally have geometric shapes. The example are diamond, metals and salt etc.

To identify the type of crystals, the structure should be identified first. In crystalline solids, the arrangement of particles is in orderly fashion. The atoms have very less space between them due to strong intermolecular forces. The crystals so formed have high melting and boiling point.

Compared to crystalline solids, amorphous are randomly arranged. They do not have any geometry or shape. There is a range of temperature over which amorphous solids will melt but there is not definite temperature for this. They have short order arrangement and there is variety of arrangement present in it.