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Differentiate between amorphous and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question (g) - 2014
Question (g)
Differentiate between amorphous and crystalline structures.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Differentiate between amorphous and crystalline structures. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question (g) - 2014
Step 1
Amorphous structures
Answer
Amorphous structures do not have a regular pattern in the arrangement of their atoms. Instead, the atoms are arranged more randomly, giving these materials unique properties. Examples of materials with amorphous structures include pitch, glass, and some types of plastics.
Step 2
Crystalline structures
Answer
Crystalline structures, on the other hand, have atoms that are bonded together in a defined pattern that is repeated throughout the material. This regularity leads to distinct physical properties. Metals with body-centered cubic (bcc) and face-centered cubic (fcc) unit cells are typical examples of crystalline structures.