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Atomic, Ionic and Molecular Solids definitions

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  • Crystalline Solid
    A type of solid with atoms, ions, or molecules arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern throughout the structure.
  • Amorphous Solid
    A solid with randomly arranged particles, lacking a regular pattern and a distinct melting point, often able to flow slowly.
  • Ionic Solid
    A crystalline solid composed of cations and anions held together by electrostatic attraction, typically hard, brittle, and with high melting points.
  • Molecular Solid
    A solid made up of molecules held together by intermolecular forces, usually soft with low to moderate melting points.
  • Covalent Network Solid
    A solid where atoms are linked by a continuous network of covalent bonds, resulting in extreme hardness and very high melting points.
  • Metal
    A crystalline solid consisting of metal atoms bonded by different atoms' electrons, often shiny, with variable hardness and high melting points.
  • Electrostatic Force
    The attraction between oppositely charged particles, such as cations and anions, crucial in holding certain solids together.
  • Intermolecular Force
    A force acting between molecules, responsible for the physical properties of molecular solids like softness and melting point.
  • Covalent Bond
    A strong connection formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, forming the backbone of certain very hard solids.
  • Luster
    A property describing how a solid reflects light, often resulting in a shiny appearance, especially in metals.
  • Polymers
    Large molecules made of repeating units, often found in amorphous solids like plastics, contributing manshapes and properties.
  • Melting Point
    The temperature at which a solid transitions to a liquid; can be high, low, or undefined depending on the solid's structure.
  • Brittleness
    A tendency of a solid to break or shatter without significant deformation, commonly seen in ionic solids.
  • Hardness
    A measure of a solid's resistance to scratching substance, varying widely among different types of solids.
  • Flow
    The unusual ability of some solids, especially amorphous ones, to move or deform slowly over time, resembling liquid behavior.