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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the main difference between crystalline and amorphous solids?
A
Crystalline solids are always softer than amorphous solids.
B
Crystalline solids have a well-ordered, repeating arrangement of particles, while amorphous solids lack long-range order.
C
Amorphous solids have a definite melting point, while crystalline solids do not.
D
Amorphous solids conduct electricity better than crystalline solids.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definitions of crystalline and amorphous solids. Crystalline solids have particles arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern extending throughout the material, known as long-range order.
Step 2: Recognize that amorphous solids lack this long-range order; their particles are arranged more randomly and do not form a repeating pattern over large distances.
Step 3: Note that the physical properties of these solids differ due to their structure. For example, crystalline solids typically have sharp melting points because the uniform structure breaks down at a specific temperature.
Step 4: In contrast, amorphous solids do not have a sharp melting point; they soften over a range of temperatures because their disordered structure breaks down gradually.
Step 5: Therefore, the main difference lies in the particle arrangement: crystalline solids have a well-ordered, repeating structure, while amorphous solids lack this long-range order.