What is a solid? Solids are one of three basic states of matter, along with gas and plasma, and they possess unique characteristics. A solid can resist both normal and shear loads, and its properties are determined by the forces between its atoms. Here are some examples of solids and what their properties mean. Read on to learn more! Also, don’t forget to check out our related articles: Metals and Organic solids, Silicates, and Plasma.
Metals
Solids contain heavy atoms held together by metallic bonds. Most metals are incredibly hard, but some metals are softer than others, and can be sliced easily with a knife. This makes them excellent conductors of heat and electricity. These properties make them useful for many things in our lives, and they are also very strong. The difference between a solid and a liquid is the amount of energy required to move one metal atom compared to another.
Crystalline solids
Crystalline solids are made up of atoms or molecules in a regular pattern called a crystal lattice. The arrangement of atoms and molecules in a crystal changes its properties and appearance. For example, solids have a high melting point and are dense. They can conduct electricity, but are not liquids or gases. Some crystalline solids have defects that make them incompatible with certain purposes. For example, ice has fifteen different structures.
Organic solids
The study of organic solids is a major new frontier for solid state physics. Organic solids are unique materials that provide electronic and optical properties that are tailor-made for specific applications. However, they also pose a variety of problems to the fundamental concepts of solid state physics. Despite these problems, organic solids offer an exciting new avenue for research. This book examines a variety of applications and provides adequate background information as well as a wide-ranging review of modern developments.
Silicates
Solid silicates are characterized by the presence of silicon and oxygen in tetrahedral units, and are found in nearly every rock, soil, and brick. These compounds are also used in the glass, ceramic, and cement industries. They are formed by the reaction of alkali metal carbonates and sand. Silicates can be classified based on their tetrahedral unit and have different structures. Phyllosilicates and micas exhibit good cleavage along the crystal plain, while kaolinite and stannite exhibit perfect cleavage along the crystal plain.
Water
There are four states of matter, which can change shape: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Solids are rigid and have a fixed volume, while liquids and gases have fluid-like properties and are constantly in motion. Water can change into any of these states, but is most commonly considered a solid. A solid has atoms that are attached to one another, while a liquid has atoms that are loosely bonded together.