Name: Voids in Crystal Lattices
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 25 s
Description: None of the close packing techniques has 100% efficiency. There is always some space in the lattice that is not occupied by any particle. These empty spaces...

Question

Describe various characteristics of solids.

Accepted Answer

Important characteristics of solids are given below:

(i) Solids are rigid and have definite shape and mass: In terms of kinetic molecular model, solids have regular order of their constituent particles (atoms, molecules or ions.) These particles are held together by fairly strong forces; therefore, they are present at fixed positions.The atoms in solids are held together by interatomic forces. The average location of the atoms in a lattice does not change with time. Since the atoms are almost lacking in mobility, their kinetic energy is negligibly small. It is this lack of mobility which makes a solid rigid.

(ii) They have definite volume which is irrespective of the size and shape of the container in which they are placed.

(iii) The intermolecular distances in solid are short and the intermolecular forces acting between them are strong.

(iv) The constituent particles (atoms, molecules or ions) of solids have fixed positions, and they can only oscillate (to and fro) about their mean positions.

(v) They are almost incompressible.

(vi) Most of the solids become liquid when heated and this process is called 'melting'. The temperature at which a solid change in its liquid state, is called 'melting point.

Describe various characteristics of solids.

Important Questions on The Solid State

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