What is a Solid?
A solid can be defined as a substance which exists in the solid-state, which is one of the four fundamental states of matter. Solids feature closely packed atoms whose kinetic energies are much lower than those of liquids and gases. All solids have rigid structures that tend to resist any external forces applied to them. Solids also are known to have a fixed, definite shape (unlike liquids and gases, which assume the shape of the container they are placed in). Furthermore, solids are also known to have a fixed, definite volume (unlike gaseous substances which expand to occupy the entire volume of the container they are placed in).
Solids do not have the ability to flow as liquids and gases do. Another dissimilarity between solids and gases is that gases can be compressed when some external pressure is applied to them, but solids are virtually incompressible. The atoms of a solid can be bound together in either a regular or an irregular manner. The manner in which the atoms of the solid are arranged in three-dimensional space determines the type of the solid.
Types of Solids
Crystalline Solids
A crystalline solid (also known as a crystal) is a solid in which the constituent atoms or molecules (or sometimes ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure. This microscopic structure is called a crystal lattice, and it extends in a uniform manner through all points in the crystalline solid. Common examples of crystalline solids include ice, sodium chloride (table salt), potassium chloride, and diamonds.
Amorphous Solids
Amorphous solids (also known as non-crystalline solids) are solids that lack long-range order in the arrangement of their constituent atoms, molecules, or ions in three-dimensional space. It is important to note that amorphous solids feature an internal structure in which different structural blocks of the solids are interconnected. It can also be noted that amorphous solids usually have higher solubilities than crystalline solids. Common examples of amorphous solids include metallic glasses, gels, thin-film lubricants, and certain polymers.
Types of Solids
Frequently Asked Questions on Solid Definition
What are the two types of solids?
The two primary categories into which solids are classified are crystalline solids and amorphous solids. The former features a highly ordered arrangement of atoms in three-dimensional space whereas the latter features a network of interconnected structural blocks.
What are the differences between crystalline and amorphous solids?
The arrangement of atoms in three-dimensional space in crystalline solids in is highly ordered but the arrangement in amorphous solids is not. Furthermore, crystalline solids are known to have sharp melting points but amorphous solids have a temperature range over which they melt. Crystalline solids are also known as true solids whereas amorphous solids are also known as supercooled liquids.
What are the 7 crystal systems in which a crystalline solid can exist?
All crystalline solids can be classified into the following seven crystal systems: cubic, trigonal, tetragonal, hexagonal, monoclinic, triclinic, and orthorhombic. These crystal systems are commonly referred to as Bravais lattices.
To learn more about the definition of solids and other important concepts related to the solid state, register with BYJU’S and download the mobile application on your smartphone.
define solid liquid gas
A solid has a definite shape and volume. A liquid has a definite volume, but takes the shape of its container. A gas lacks either a defined shape or volume. Plasma is similar to a gas in that its particles are very far apart, but a gas is electrically neutral and plasma has a charge.
Read more on solid liquid gas