Question

Classify the following as amorphous or crystalline solids: Polyurethane, Naphthalene, Benzoic acid, Teflon, Potassium nitrate, Cellophane, Polyvinyl Chloride, Fiberglass, and Copper?

Answer 1

Amorphous solids:

• Amorphous solids are known as those in which the geometry of the solid is said to be irregular.
• When the amorphous solids are cut with a knife, a clean surface is not obtained.
• The amorphous solids are called pseudo solids or sometimes also as supercooled liquids.

Crystalline solids:

• Crystalline solids are known as those in which the geometry of the solid is said to be regular.
• When the Crystalline solids are cut with a knife, a clean surface is obtained.
• Crystalline solids are also called true solids.

Classification of the given compounds as amorphous or crystalline solids:

• Amorphous solids: Polyurethane, Cellophane, Polyvinyl Chloride, Fiberglass, Teflon.
• Crystalline solids: Naphthalene, Benzoic acid, Potassium nitrate, and Copper

Hence, above the given compounds have been Classified as amorphous or crystalline solids.