Chapter 18, Problem 18.1VP

Interpretation Introduction

To find:

Which drawings are analogous to crystalline and amorphous solid?

Answer to Problem 18.1VP

Solution:

a, b, and d are analogous to a crystalline solid, and c is analogous to an amorphous solid.

Explanation of Solution

A crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice, which extends in all directions.

An amorphous solid or non-crystalline solid is a solid that lacks the long-range order that is characteristic of a crystal.

a) In figure (a), we can see an orderly arrangement of atoms, though one atom seems to be missing in the center. Thus, it is analogous to a crystalline solid.

b) In figure (b), we can see two different types of atoms, one red and the otherblue. They are arranged in a regular pattern. Thus, it is analogous to a crystalline solid.

c) In figure (c), the atoms are arranged in an irregular pattern. Thus, with varying interparticular distances, it is analogous to an amorphous solid.

d) In figure (d), although the red and blue atoms are not in a repetitive manner, they are still arranged in a regular pattern. Thus, showing the same interparticulate distances, it is analogous to a crystalline solid.

Conclusion

Crystalline solids have a regular, repetitive arrangement of atoms while amorphous solids don’t have such regular arrangement.