Question

Which of the following is not a characteristic of amorphous solids? (a) have sharp melting point (b) have non-orderly or very short-range orderly arrangement (c) show isotropy (d) have tendency to undergo irregular cleavage

Short answer

(a) have sharp melting point

Step-by-step solution

Understand Amorphous Solids

Amorphous solids are materials in which the atoms or molecules are not arranged in a long-range orderly pattern. They often resemble liquids or gases in terms of their atomic arrangements, although their physical state is solid.

Identify Characteristics

Characteristics of amorphous solids include non-crystalline structure, isotropy, the tendency to undergo irregular cleavage (due to lack of planes of weakness), and no definite melting point—they soften over a range of temperatures.

Evaluate Each Option

(a) 'Have sharp melting point': Amorphous solids do not have sharp melting points as they do not undergo a true phase transition. (b) 'Have non-orderly or very short-range orderly arrangement': This is true for amorphous solids. (c) 'Show isotropy': Amorphous solids display isotropy since their properties are the same in all directions. (d) 'Have tendency to undergo irregular cleavage': Due to their non-crystalline structure, they do not cleave along distinct planes.

Identify the Odd Characteristic

Option (a), 'Have sharp melting point', is the characteristic that does not describe amorphous solids. Amorphous solids do not have a sharp melting point. They soften over a range of temperatures, unlike crystalline solids.

Key concepts

Characteristics of Solids

Solids are characterized by their rigid structures and fixed shapes, unlike liquids and gases.
There are two main types of solids: crystalline and amorphous.
Crystalline solids have their atoms arranged in a well-defined, repeating pattern across long ranges.

• Crystalline: Possess a long-range order and definite pattern.
• Amorphous: Lack long-range order, resembling a random arrangement.

Besides their atomic arrangements, solids can be identified based on other properties:

• Cleavage: Crystalline solids often split along specific planes, while amorphous solids cleave irregularly due to their random atomic structure.
• Optical Properties: Crystalline solids may show anisotropy, while amorphous solids are isotropic.
• Melting Behavior: Crystalline solids have specific melting points; amorphous solids do not. They soften over a range of temperatures.

Understanding these characteristics helps in distinguishing between different solid materials.

Isotropy in Materials

Isotropy is a property where a material shows the same properties in all directions.
This is a key feature of amorphous solids.
Unlike in crystalline solids, atoms in amorphous solids are arranged without long-range order, leading to consistent properties across any direction. In crystalline solids, anisotropy arises. Anisotropy means that a material's properties depend on the direction of measurement due to its regular atomic pattern.
This leads to different behaviors in terms of optical, mechanical, or thermal qualities, depending on the orientation.

• Isotropic Materials: Exhibit uniformity and are stable across different orientations.
• Anisotropic Materials: Exhibit direction-dependent variations, significant in engineering and materials science.

For many applications, isotropy is beneficial as it provides uniform performance and reliability.

Melting Points in Solids

The concept of melting points helps differentiate between crystalline and amorphous solids.
Crystalline solids exhibit sharp melting points, undergoing a stark change from solid to liquid at a specific temperature. Amorphous solids, however, do not experience a sudden transition.
They soften gradually, behaving like thick liquids over a temperature range.

• Crystalline Solids:
  • Undergo a distinct phase change.
  • Exhibit a specific melting temperature.
• Amorphous Solids:
  • Lack a sharp melting point.
  • Soften over a broad range of temperatures.

Understanding melting behavior is crucial in applications ranging from material science to quality control, where the stability and behavior of materials under heat are tested.