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Describe, with examples, the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question (b) - 2022
Question (b)
Describe, with examples, the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe, with examples, the difference between amorphous structures and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question (b) - 2022
Step 1
Amorphous Structures
Answer
Amorphous structures are defined by having irregular, non-geometric arrangements of molecules. Unlike crystalline materials, these structures lack long-range order and do not form a repetitive lattice pattern. An example of an amorphous structure is acrylic, a widely used material in various applications such as transparent sheets and displays. The randomness in their molecular arrangement gives amorphous materials distinct physical properties, like greater flexibility and less brittleness compared to crystalline materials.
Step 2
Crystalline Structures
Answer
In contrast, crystalline structures are characterized by their regular, geometric, and repeating arrangements of atoms or molecules. They form a well-defined lattice that extends in three dimensions, which can lead to distinctive physical properties such as sharp melting points and high strength. Examples of crystalline structures include body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) arrangements commonly seen in metals such as iron and aluminum. The ordered pattern in crystalline materials contributes to their predictable mechanical properties.