What are Crystalline solids and Amorphous solids and Write any four differences between:Crystalline Solids & Amorphous Solids

Crystalline Solids: Crystalline solids are a category of solids that have a regular and repeating pattern of molecules. This pattern extends in all three spatial dimensions, which gives these solids a definite shape. Examples of crystalline solids include salt, diamonds, and many other minerals.

Amorphous Solids: Amorphous solids, on the other hand, do not have a regular arrangement of molecules. The molecules in these solids are arranged randomly and do not follow a repeating pattern. This gives amorphous solids an irregular shape. Examples of amorphous solids include glass, rubber, and many types of plastics.

Differences between Crystalline Solids and Amorphous Solids:

1. Molecular Arrangement: In crystalline solids, the molecules are arranged in a regular and repeating pattern. In amorphous solids, the molecules are arranged randomly.

2. Shape: Crystalline solids have a definite shape due to their regular molecular arrangement. Amorphous solids do not have a definite shape due to their random molecular arrangement.

3. Melting Point: Crystalline solids have a sharp melting point. This means they change from solid to liquid at a specific temperature. Amorphous solids do not have a sharp melting point. They gradually soften and eventually turn into a liquid over a range of temperatures.

4. Anisotropy: Crystalline solids are anisotropic, meaning their properties (like electrical conductivity or refractive index) vary depending on the direction in which they are measured. Amorphous solids are isotropic, meaning their properties are the same in all directions.