Isotropic refers to the properties of a material which is independent of the direction whereas anisotropic is direction-dependent. These two terms are used to explain the properties of the material in basic crystallography. The mechanical and physical properties can be easily affected based on the atom orientation in crystals. Some examples of isotropic materials are cubic symmetry crystals, glass, etc. Some examples of anisotropic materials are composite materials, wood, etc. Below are a few differences between isotropic and anisotropic materials.
Difference Between Isotropic And Anisotropic
| Characteristics | Isotropic | Anisotropic |
| Properties | Direction independent | Direction-dependent |
| Refractive index | Only one | More than one |
| Chemical bonding | Consistent | Uncertain |
| Uses | Lenses | Polarizers |
| Light passes through it | No | Yes |
| Velocity of light | Same in all directions | Different |
| Appearance | Dark | Light |
| Double refraction | No | Yes |
| Example | Glass | Wood |
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Some important links:
| Difference between Crystalline And Amorphous |
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