Solids are not just atoms. They are also Molecules, Liquid crystals, Minerals, and so forth. Learn how to separate these types of substances into solids, liquid crystals, and minerals, and create more flexible solutions to complex problems. Read on for some examples of these materials. Interested in learning more? Check out our article on Atoms, Molecules, Liquid Crystals, and Minerals.
Atoms
We have long known that matter is made up of atoms. Each one has its own number of protons, electrons, and neutrons, and in a solid, they’re grouped into groups called molecules. Water, for example, contains two atoms of hydrogen H and one atom of oxygen O. Air contains atoms of oxygen and nitrogen. These two elements naturally exist as diatomic molecules. Usually, matter exists in one of three states: solid, liquid, or gas.
Molecules
There are two types of solid molecules: amorphous and crystalline. Amorphous solids do not have regular internal structure and have no order. These types of solids are more like supercooled fluids. Amorphous solids are also not crystalline and are instead amorphous. This type of solid is made of layers of carbon atoms within a plane. The difference between amorphous and crystalline solids is the size.
Liquid crystals
The fundamental properties of liquid crystals are essentially the same. Depending on the composition and size of the liquid crystal, its shape can be either crystalline or amorphous. The liquid crystal director can point in any direction without the assistance of an outside force, but it can also be manipulated by an external agent. In addition to liquid crystal directors, many other substances can form liquid crystal phases. Polypeptides, DNA, and actively-driven cytoskeletal filaments can all form liquid-crystal phases. Furthermore, elongated cells can display liquid-crystal behavior. Biological consequences of these properties are also implicated.
Minerals
Unlike liquids, minerals do not exist in a liquid state. This is due to their chemical composition. In their pure state, they are made up of several elements. For instance, sodium atoms combine with chlorine atoms to form chlorine dioxide. On the other hand, silicon oxide contains two atoms of oxygen. Although there are more than four thousand known minerals, they all have similar atomic structures and orderly crystalline structures.
Organic solids
This book examines the properties of organic solids, which consist of molecules held together by weak van der Waals forces. This solid state is soft, has a low melting point, and has poor electrical conductivity. The weak van der Waals forces maintain the individual properties of the molecules even in their solid state. As a result, it is important to understand the properties of these materials to design materials with the appropriate properties. For example, organic solids can be used to make flexible, biocompatible materials.