Question

What is cleavage property?

Answer 1

Hint: A solid is a state of matter which has definite shape and volume. The intermolecular spaces between the molecules of solids is very less which makes it dense and hard in nature. There are two types of solids which are crystalline solids and amorphous solid. The cleavage property is a property of solid matter to be cut into parts.

Complete answer:
We know that solid is a state of matter in which the molecules are more closely packed than the other states of matter which are liquid and gaseous states and this property makes a solid material hard and dense. A solid has a definite size and volume.
So, basically, there are two types of solids which are crystalline solids and amorphous solid and they both are different according to their properties and one of these properties is cleavage property.
Cleavage property is the property of matter to be broken or cut down into smaller pieces. Now, we will know how this property of matter can distinguish between crystalline solid and an amorphous solid.
So, when we cut or break a crystalline solid, it breaks into a perfectly outlined shape with a regular surface because they have a planned, regular structure.
But, if we consider an amorphous solid, it will break down into irregular shape because it does not have a planned or regular structure.

Note:
There are many more properties which can be used to distinguish between a crystalline solid and an amorphous solid such as crystalline solids are anisotropic in nature while amorphous solids are isotropic in nature. Crystalline solids are symmetrical (regular shape) in nature while amorphous solids are unsymmetrical (irregular shape) in nature.