Understanding Solids

A SOLID is the state of matter in which the particles making up the solid are close and have the least amount of energy compared to liquids and solids.

Solids have more structure than other states of matter (liquids and solids)

Solids exits in two basic forms: Crystalline and Amorphous.

The most common solid form is: Crystalline

Attributes of Crystalline Solids

1. Crystalline Solids: Solids in which the particles that make up the solid exist in a regular, orderly arrangement.

In a crystalline solid, the particles are packed relatively close together, which restricts their motion.

In a crystalline solid each particle vibrates (moves back and forth).

In a crystalline solid the vibrating particles are linked together, not by a physical connection, but by attractive forces between the particles.

In a crystalline solid the linked, vibrating particles  cannot move freely from one place to another. This restriction of motion prevents solids from being fluid (able to flow). Because of this restriction of motion, crystalline solids have a definite shape as well as a definite volume.

Amorphous Solids: These solids have many of the same characteristics as crystalline solids. So how are they different?
To find out more about both crystalline and amorphous solids, see  STATES OF MATTER: SOLIDS