Amorphous vs Crystalline
There are three different states of matter that are solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Solids possess two different states, namely, amorphous and crystalline. These forms or states of solids depend on the arrangement of the particles in a definite or indefinite geometry. Crystalline solids possess a regularly ordered array of particles that are held together with the help of uniform intermolecular forces. On the other hand, in the amorphous solids, the particles are not arranged in the form of regular arrays.
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However, there are certainly a few exceptions with respect to the particles which are a part of the solid material. Whether these particles are molecular, ionic, metallic, or covalent, they are held together by strong forces between them. When we talk about solids, we also talk about the position of the molecules, ions, or atoms that are fixed in a spatial arrangement. We do not talk about the motion of these particles, which are generally considered in the case of gases and liquids.
Classification of solids
The constituents of the solids are arranged in two different ways. This means that they either tend to form a regular and repetitive 3D structure which is known as a crystal lattice, which produces a crystalline solid, or they tend to aggregate without any specific order and produce an amorphous solid. There is a vast difference between crystalline and amorphous solids and here, we will learn about the comparison of amorphous vs. crystalline.
Crystalline Solids
Crystalline solids consist of particles that are arranged in a three-dimensional manner. The intermolecular forces between them are equal. They are anisotropic and have a well-defined melting point as well. They are referred to as the true solids. Examples of crystalline solids are diamond, benzoic acid, etc. The application of diamond includes the making of beautiful jewellery, cutting of glass, etc.
Amorphous Solids
Amorphous refers to being shapeless. Amorphous solids have an irregular arrangement of solid particles. The intermolecular forces between them are not equal. Also, the distance between every two particles tends to vary. They do not possess a defined geometric shape. Amorphous solids are also known as supercooled liquids and are isotropic. Examples of amorphous solids include glass, naphthalene, etc.
Applications of glass are as follows.
It is widely used for the construction of buildings.
It is also used in the packaging of cosmetics such as cosmetics boxes and the packing of food items such as in making food jars.
To better understand the difference between amorphous solids and crystalline solids better, let us take a look at the table given below. It showcases the crystalline and amorphous differences in detail.
Difference Between Crystalline Solid and Amorphous Solid
Let us look at the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids in detail.
Conclusion
Solids are defined by a three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in which the components are largely fixed in their places. A crystalline solid is formed by arranging the components in a regular repeating three-dimensional array (a crystal lattice), whereas an amorphous solid is formed by arranging them more or less randomly. Crystalline solids have sharp melting points, well-defined edges and faces, and diffract x-rays. On the other side, the amorphous solids contain curved or uneven surfaces. And, they do not produce well-resolved x-ray diffraction patterns and melt across a wide range of temperatures.
FAQs on Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous Solid
1. Distinguish Between Crystalline and Amorphous Solids
The difference between amorphous and crystalline solids are discussed below:
Crystalline solids are arranged in a regular pattern, whereas the amorphous solids do not show a regular arrangement.
Due to this arrangement, the crystalline solids tend to possess the short-range order and long-range order, while the amorphous solids only possess a shorter range order.
Crystalline solids possess a sharper melting point, while the amorphous solids melt over a wide range of different temperatures.
Crystalline solids have definite heat of fusion while amorphous solids do not have a specific heat of fusion.
Crystalline solids exhibit a cleaner and distinct edge when they are cut with a knife, while the amorphous solid show irregular patterns when cut with a knife.
Crystalline solids are anisotropic in nature, while amorphous solids possess isotropism.
Crystalline solids are known to be true solids, and on the other hand, the amorphous solids are referred to as pseudo solids or even supercooled liquids.
2. What are the Properties of a Crystalline Solid?
The properties of a crystalline solid are as follows:
Crystalline solids possess a three-dimensional structure.
The ions in the crystalline solids have an arrangement of a longer order.
The bonds between the different atoms, molecules, and ions are very strong.
Crystalline solids have sharp melting points.
The different physical properties of the crystalline solids, such as the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and refractive index, are different along with the different directions.
Crystalline solids are amongst the most stable solids when compared to the others.
3. Give any major differences between Crystalline and Amorphous Solid?
The structure of their molecules is the first difference between amorphous and crystalline materials. Amorphous solids have an organized arrangement of atoms, despite the fact that they are neither symmetrical nor have any specific geometry. Crystallites are the name for these irregular atoms. These materials have no acute melting points and do not alter shape when exposed to heat.