The Solid State – Notes

General Characteristics
On the basis of the forces of attraction between the constituent particles, matter exists in gaseous state, liquid state and solid state.
The constituent particles in solids are held together by strong forces of attraction.
Solids have definite shape and volume, lack the ability to flow, and are incompressible and rigid.
A solid with the desired properties can be prepared by altering its structure.
The study of the structures of solids has immense significance in science and technology.

Amorphous and Crystalline Solids
Based on arrangement, solids are classified into two types:
• Crystalline solids
• Amorphous solids
Crystalline solids have definite geometrical shapes.
Amorphous solids do not have any definite geometrical shapes.
Crystalline solids have sharp melting points.
Amorphous solids do not have sharp melting points.