Which of the following best explains why amorphous solids do not have long-range order in the arrangement of their particles?

• A. Their particles are constantly moving rapidly, preventing any order.
• B. They are composed of molecules that are too small to form any structure.
• C. Their particles are held together by ionic bonds, which prevent regular arrangement.
• D. Their particles are arranged randomly, lacking a repeating pattern throughout the solid.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of long-range order: In crystalline solids, particles (atoms, ions, or molecules) are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern extending throughout the entire solid.
2. Recognize that amorphous solids differ because their particles do not form this repeating pattern; instead, their arrangement is random or disordered beyond a short range.
3. Analyze the options given: Rapid particle movement is characteristic of gases or liquids, not solids; particle size alone does not prevent structure formation; ionic bonds often promote regular lattice structures.
4. Conclude that the key reason amorphous solids lack long-range order is that their particles are arranged randomly without a repeating pattern throughout the solid.
5. Therefore, the correct explanation is that amorphous solids have a random particle arrangement, which prevents the formation of long-range order.