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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why amorphous solids do not have long-range order in the arrangement of their particles?
A
Their particles are constantly moving rapidly, preventing any order.
B
They are composed of molecules that are too small to form any structure.
C
Their particles are held together by ionic bonds, which prevent regular arrangement.
D
Their particles are arranged randomly, lacking a repeating pattern throughout the solid.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of long-range order: In crystalline solids, particles (atoms, ions, or molecules) are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern extending throughout the entire solid.
Recognize that amorphous solids differ because their particles do not form this repeating pattern; instead, their arrangement is random or disordered beyond a short range.
Analyze the options given: Rapid particle movement is characteristic of gases or liquids, not solids; particle size alone does not prevent structure formation; ionic bonds often promote regular lattice structures.
Conclude that the key reason amorphous solids lack long-range order is that their particles are arranged randomly without a repeating pattern throughout the solid.
Therefore, the correct explanation is that amorphous solids have a random particle arrangement, which prevents the formation of long-range order.