Overview:
The solid state of matter is one of the three states of matter, along with liquids and solids. In the solid state of matter, particles are in fixed positions, compared to their movement in liquids or gases. Solids can be crystalline or amorphous, depending on the structure that molecules form. Various types of bonds between particles occur in solids.
What Are Crystalline Solids?
Many solids form rigid crystals in which the atoms or molecules exist in regular, repeating patterns that join together. Crystals typically have different forms depending on the shape of the crystalline lattice and the way the facets join. They may be as small as granules of salt or sugar, or as large as precious stones.
What Are Amorphous Solids?
In amorphous solids, molecules are joined rigidly but not in patterns that are regular or repeat. Glass, rubber, ceramics, and some plastics are amorphous. When an amorphous solid is heated, it softens and does not have a definite melting point. Glass can be blown into different shapes because it does not form sharp crystals.
How Do Solids Stay Together?
The characteristics of solids, such as their hardness, electrical conductivity, and melting point, depend of the type of material and the type of bonds that make up the solid structure. For example, some solids have low melting points and are softer. They have weak bonds that hold molecules together. The difference between diamonds and graphite are in the strength of the bonds and their structure. Diamonds are very hard, while graphite, the material in pencil lead is relatively soft and brittle.
What Are Metallic Bonds?
Although most metals have a crystalline structure, the positive metallic ions are held in fixed positions within the crystal, while the electrons are free to move. The free-moving electrons are responsible for the good electrical and heat conductivity. Metals can be made into different shapes, pounded very thin, or drawn into wires because their structure allows those types of change. Nonmetals, such as sulfur, do not have the same structure, so they crumble easily when they are shaped.
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