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Distinguish between amorphous and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question f - 2008
Question f
Distinguish between amorphous and crystalline structures.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Distinguish between amorphous and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question f - 2008
Step 1
Amorphous structures
Answer
Amorphous structures are characterized by an irregular and disorganized molecular pattern. These structures lack long-range order, which means the arrangement of particles is random and does not repeat periodically. Examples of amorphous materials include glass and some plastics.
Step 2
Crystalline structures
Answer
Crystalline structures, on the other hand, display a regular and repeating molecular pattern. This regularity results in distinct geometric shapes and well-defined boundaries. Crystalline solids have long-range order, which provides them with specific properties such as sharp melting points. Common examples include salts and minerals.