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Outline the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question 6(a) - 2020
Question 6(a)
Outline the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question 6(a) - 2020
Step 1
Crystalline structures
Answer
Crystalline structures are characterized by regular, geometric, and repeating molecular patterns. These patterns can be described using specific lattice structures, such as Body-Centered Cubic (BCC), Face-Centered Cubic (FCC), or Cubic Primitive Hexagonal (CPH). The ordered arrangement of molecules in crystalline materials contributes to their distinct physical properties, including distinct melting points and cleavage planes.
Step 2
Amorphous structures
Answer
In contrast, amorphous structures do not exhibit regular or geometric patterns. The arrangement of molecules in amorphous materials is irregular and non-geometric, resulting in a more random structure. This lack of long-range order affects the physical properties of amorphous materials, typically leading to no sharp melting point and a more isotropic behavior.