What solids have particles arranged in repeating geometric patterns?
What is a crystal?
Solids that have particles arranged in repeating geometric patterns are called crystalline solids. Crystalline solids exhibit a regular and repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in three dimensions. This arrangement is known as a crystal lattice.
To identify solids with such arrangements, you can observe their physical characteristics. Crystalline solids have a definite shape and well-defined edges. They exhibit patterns when subjected to X-ray crystallography or polarization of light. Additionally, they have distinct melting and boiling points.
It's important to note that not all solids have a crystalline structure. Amorphous solids, such as glass or rubber, have particles arranged randomly and lack a well-defined crystal lattice.