PHY 4201 : Physics-II

(Properties of Matter, Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics)

Md. Masud Parvez, M.Phil (BUET), Ph.D (Ongoing)

Assistant Professor
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University
Difference Between Crystalline Solid and Amorphous Solid

Crystalline solids possess a regularly ordered array of particles

that are held together with the help of uniform intermolecular
forces. On the other hand, in the amorphous solids, the
particles are not arranged in the form of regular arrays.
 Crystalline Solids
Crystalline solids consist of particles that
are arranged in a three-dimensional
manner. The intermolecular forces between
them are equal. They are anisotropic and
have a well-defined melting point as well.
They are referred to as the true solids.
Examples of crystalline solids are diamond,
benzoic acid, etc. The application of
diamond includes the making of beautiful
jewellery, cutting of glass, etc.
 Amorphous Solids
Amorphous refers to being shapeless.
Amorphous solids have an irregular
arrangement of solid particles. The
intermolecular forces between them
are not equal. Also, the distance
between every two particles tends to
vary. They do not possess a defined
geometric shape. Amorphous solids
are also known as supercooled
liquids and are isotropic. Examples of
amorphous solids include glass,
naphthalene, etc.
 Difference Between Crystalline Solid and
Amorphous Solid
Let us look at the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids
in detail.
 Distinguish Between Crystalline and Amorphous
Solids
The difference between amorphous and crystalline solids are discussed below:
• Crystalline solids are arranged in a regular pattern, whereas the amorphous solids do not
show a regular arrangement.
• Due to this arrangement, the crystalline solids tend to possess the short-range order and
long-range order, while the amorphous solids only possess a shorter range order.
• Crystalline solids possess a sharper melting point, while the amorphous solids melt over
a wide range of different temperatures.
• Crystalline solids have definite heat of fusion while amorphous solids do not have a
specific heat of fusion.
• Crystalline solids exhibit a cleaner and distinct edge when they are cut with a
knife, while the amorphous solid show irregular patterns when cut with a knife.
• Crystalline solids are anisotropic in nature, while amorphous solids possess isotropism.
• Crystalline solids are known to be true solids, and on the other hand, the amorphous
solids are referred to as pseudo solids or even supercooled liquids.
What are the Properties of a Crystalline Solid?
The properties of a crystalline solid are as follows:
• Crystalline solids possess a three-dimensional structure.
• The ions in the crystalline solids have an arrangement of a longer order.
• The bonds between the different atoms, molecules, and ions are very
strong.
• Crystalline solids have sharp melting points.
• The different physical properties of the crystalline solids, such as the
electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and
refractive index, are different along with the different directions.
• Crystalline solids are amongst the most stable solids when compared to the
others.
Give any major differences between Crystalline
and Amorphous Solid?
The structure of their molecules is the first difference between amorphous
and crystalline materials. Amorphous solids have an organized arrangement
of atoms, despite the fact that they are neither symmetrical nor have any
specific geometry. Crystallites are the name for these irregular atoms.
These materials have no acute melting points and do not alter shape when
exposed to heat.
Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids.
Substances that consist of large molecules, or a mixture of molecules whose
movements are more restricted, often form amorphous solids. For examples,
candle waxes are amorphous solids composed of large hydrocarbon
molecules. Some substances, such as boron oxide can form either crystalline
or amorphous solids, depending on the conditions under which it is
produced. Also, amorphous solids may undergo a transition to the crystalline
state under appropriate conditions.
Figure:
(a) Diboron trioxide, B2O3, is normally found as a white, amorphous
solid (a glass), which has a high degree of disorder in its structure.
(b) By careful, extended heating, it can be converted into a crystalline
form of B2O3, which has a very ordered arrangement.

The first structure of diboron trioxide shows five identical and

separated hexagonal rings. The second structure of diboron trioxide
shows a more interconnected structure with four large rings forming a
more stable structure.