CHAPTER 3

MATTER IN SOLID PHASE

CONCEPT MAP

Different types
of Solids

Crystalline Amorphous
Solids Solids

Covalent
Molecular
Metallic Crystal Ionic Crystal Network Bond
Crystal
Crystal

LEARNING COMPITENCIES

The learners will be able to:

1. Differentiate and state the properties between the 2 main categories of solids
2. Identify what are the different types of Crystalline Solids according to their
properties.

MATTER IN SOLID PHASE

Solid is one of the three basic states of matter, the others being liquid and gas.
Solid is divided in two main categories, the Crystalline Solids and the Amorphous Solids.

CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS

The constituents of a crystalline solid structure are arranged spatially in a regular

and repetitive manner giving a completely ordered structure. This highly ordered
arrangement is always accompanied by a lowering of potential energy and hence energy
in form of heat is required to convert it into liquid. This ordered arrangement normally
shows a smaller volume and lower compressibility factor than the liquids.
 In crystalline solids the constituents may be atoms ions or molecules, but the
order arrangement of these constituents which extends over a long range in the crystal
is better known as long range order. Crystalline solids are considered as anisotropic as
the magnitude of property depends upon the direction along which it is measured and
crystal solids show exactly that unlike amorphous where the properties is independent of
direction.

Structure of Crystalline Solids

 When the constituents of the crystal is denoted by points then a lattice might be
considered as an infinite set of points repeated through space.α
 A set of points repeated at a regular interval along a line is a one dimensional
lattice while when a set of points are repeated regularly on a plane along any two
coordinated axes is called a two dimensional lattice.
 A line is the lattice for one dimension pattern and two points for two dimensional
pattern. When the two dimensional lattice is extended to three dimensions it
results in space lattice. Space lattice is also known as point lattice.
 If and when the points in a space lattice is replaced by atoms, ions, or molecules
then a crystal lattice is obtained.
 The space lattice is divided into large number of small symmetrical units and
these basic units of the space lattice are known as unit cells. A unit cell is the
smallest building unit of a crystal. For any crystal structure the essential feature is
the unit cell.
 The unit cells in a three dimensional lattice is characterized by lengths, a, b, and
c; while the angles as alpha α, beta β, and gamma ϒ.
 These when combined form the unit cell parameters. From these parameters we
can create seven crystal lattices.
 In these crystal lattices the unit cell has points only at corners and is known as
simple or primitive unit cell.
 If there are lattice points at the corners and at the center of the unit cell we call it
as body centered unit cell.
 If there are lattice points at the center of some or all the faces in addition to those
at corners the lattice is called face centered lattice.

Figure 1. Crystalline Solids

Ionic solid NaCl (Sodium Chloride) Molecular solid of water

Properties of Crystalline Solids

1. These solids have a particular three dimensional geometrical structure.

2. The arrangement order of the ions in crystalline solids is of long order.

3. The strength of all the bonds between different ions, molecules and atoms is equal.

4. Melting point of crystalline solids is extremely sharp. Mainly the reason is that the
heating breaks the bonds at the same time.

5. The physical properties like thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, refractive

index and mechanical strength of crystalline solids are different along different
directions.

6. These solids are the most stable solids as compared to other solids.

AMORPHOUS SOLIDS

 The term amorphous comes from the Greek word amorphous or without form.
These type of solids do not have the repetitive interlocking structures that are
seen in crystals but are more like randomly arranged, jumbled formations seen in
liquids or anything that flows.

 These could be attributed to the fact that the atoms in amorphous solids are
spaced apart at equilibrium distance but with no definite periodicity as far atom
location is concerned. These are sometimes described as super cooled liquids as
the molecules are mostly arranged in various form or manners which are
common in flowing materials.

Figure 2. Amorphous Solids Example

Properties of Amorphous Solids

1. The strength of different bonds is different in amorphous solids.

2. There is no regularity in the external structure of amorphous solids.

3. On the other hand, amorphous solids don’t have sharp melting point. This is due to
the variable strength of bonds present between the molecules, ions or atoms. So, bonds
having low strength on heating break at once. But the strong bonds take some time to
break. This is the reason that the amorphous solids don’t have sharp melting points.

4. Amorphous solids are isotropic in nature. Isotropic means that in all the directions
their physical properties will remain same.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS ACCORDING TO PROPERTIES

1. Metallic Crystals

They are the simplest type of structure since single metallic atoms are the
constituent units. It is determined by the most efficient way in which its spherical atoms
can be packed.

A Face-Centered Cube has atoms at each corner of the cube and six atoms each
face. The atoms are packed as tightly as theoretically possible. It includes Copper,
Aluminum, Gold and Silver.

Hexagonal Close-Packed Cube turns out that face-centered cubic and hexagonal
close-packed crystal structures pack atoms equally tightly. Some metals with
hexagonal close-packed crystal structures include Cobalt, Cadmium, Zinc, and the
phase of Titanium.

Figure3. Face-centered Cube & Hexagonal Close-Packed Cube

Face-centered Cube Hexagonal Close-Packed Cube

2. Ionic Crystals

The atoms of ionic crystals are held together by electrostatic forces (ionic
bonds). Ionic crystals are hard and have relatively high melting points. Table salt (NaCl)
is an example of this type of crystal. It also has ions as constituent particles. This is
exemplified by the NaCl crystal. The oppositely charged Na+ and Cl – ions arrange
themselves in a regular 3-Dimensional pattern of crystal lattice.

Figure4. Ionic Crystal Example (NaCl)

If you look at the diagram carefully, you will see that the sodium ions and chloride ions
alternate with each other in each of the three dimensions.

3. Molecular Crystals

It has molecules as constituent particles as well as structure units. Its properties

are dictated by the weak nature of these intermolecular forces. Molecular solids are soft,
often volatile, have low melting temperatures, and are electrical insulators. Solid Iodine
molecules in crystalline form exemplify of this type. Solid Iodine sublimes readily and has
a rather low melting point. These are common characteristic properties of molecular
crystal

Solids like Iodine, Camphor, Menthol and Naphthalene are recognized by their
odor, evidence that they are undergoing sublimation.

Figure5. A Molecular Crystal Structure

4. Covalent Network Bond Crystals

These are giant molecules or macromolecules. They consist of very large

number of atoms linked by a network of a covalent bond. These molecules may build up
in one direction as long chains which fibrous crystals like asbestos.

Figure6. Asbestos and its basic Polysilicate structure

In another crystalline form of carbon, diamond the atoms are linked by covalent
bonds in 3 directions. In effect, the entire crystal is a single molecule.

Polymorphism

It is the property shown by substances which have molecules or ions that can
assume more than one stable arrangement in the solid state. Each of the crystalline
forms of a polymorphic substance is stable over a certain temperature range only, so
that any one temperature, one form is more stable than any of the others.

Various crystal modifications of polymorphous elements are known as Allotropes (each

of two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. Graphite,
charcoal, and diamond are all allotropes of carbon). Carbon has four famous allotropic
forms, diamond, graphite, lonsdaleite and buckminsterfullerene or buck ball.

Figure 7. Structure of an Allotrope

Graphite Structure Diamond Structure Buckminsterfullerene

 SUMMARY

 A Crystal or Crystalline Solids is a solid material whose constituents (such as

atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure,
forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions.
 An Amorphous solid is any non-crystalline solids in which the atoms and
molecules are not organized in a definite lattice pattern. Such solids include glass,
plastic, and gel.
 There are four different types of crystals according to their properties. These include
Metallic, Ionic, Molecular, and Covalent Network Bond.
 Polymorphism is the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or
crystal structure.
 Allotrope is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different
forms, in the same physical state.

CHAPTER ASSESSMENT

Multiple Choice Test Assessment

1. It is a Solid structure that are arranged spatially in a regular and repetitive manner
giving a completely ordered structure is called ___________.

a. Crystalline Solid b. Crystaline Solid c. Amorphous Solid d. Amorphouse Solid

2. ___________ is a state where the property shown by substances which have

molecules or ions that can assume more than one stable arrangement in the solid state.

a. Allotrope b. Polymorphism c. Sublimation d. Evaporation

3. The transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas phase, without passing
through the intermediate liquid phase is called ___________.

a. Sublimation b. Evaporation c. Condensation d. Deposition

4. A solid that lacks the long-range order characteristics of a crystalline solid is called
___________.

a. Crystalline Solid b. Crystaline Solid c. Amorphous Solid d. Amorphouse Solid

5. What is NOT an allotropic form of a Carbon?

a. Graphite b. Diamond c. Lonsdaleite d. Granite

6. The crystalline consist of very large number of atoms linked by a network of a

covalent bond is called ___________.
a. Metallic b. Ionic c. Molecular d. Covalent Network
7. _________ crystals are held together by electrostatic forces. It is also hard and have
relatively high melting point.

a. Metallic b. Ionic c. Molecular d. Covalent Network

8. _________ crystals are soft, often volatile, have low melting temperatures, and are
electrical insulators.

a. Metallic b. Ionic c. Molecular d. Covalent Network

9. __________have the simplest type of structure since single particular atoms are its
constituent units.

a. Metallic b. Ionic c. Molecular d. Covalent Network

10. Asbestos is an example of a/an _________ crystal.

a. Metallic b. Ionic c. Molecular d. Covalent Network.

Short Answer Test Assessment

1. What are the 2 main categories of Solids? Explain its differences.

2-5. Enumerate then explain each type of crystals according to their properties.

REFERENCES

Bernstein, R., Carpi A. (n.d) Properties of Solids

https://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/Chemistry/1/Properties-of-Solids/209

Helmenstine A.M. (2018) Types of Crystals https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-crystals-

602156

TutorVista (n.d) Crystalline Solids https://chemistry.tutorvista.com/inorganic-

chemistry/crystalline-solid.html

Zallen R., Douglas R.W., Mahan G. (2016) Amorphous Solid

https://www.britannica.com/science/amorphous-solid

AskIITians (n.d) Amorphous and Crystalline Solids https://www.askiitians.com/iit-jee-

solid-state/amorphous-and-crystalline-solids/
ANSWER KEY

CHAPTER 3
MATTER IN SOLID PHASE

Multiple Choices Test

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. c

5. d

6. d

7. b

8. c

9. a

10. d

Short Answer Test Assessment

(If the answer have the same definition to the context, the answer is considered as
correct)

1. Crystalline and Amorphous Solids. Crystalline Solids have a uniformed structure

while the Amorphous Solids are not.

2-5. Metallic Crystal - Simplest type of structure

Ionic Crystal - Have the Highest Melting Point

Molecular Crystal – Have soft, volatile and low melting point

Covalent Network Crystal – Consists large amount of atoms linked by a network

in a covalent bond.