Question

Define the term ‘amorphous’. Give a few examples of the amorphous solids.

Answer 1

Hint: The matter is mainly existing in three states solid, liquid, and gaseous state.
Out of which solid is one of the states of the matter in which particles are closely packed hence, possess the lowest kinetic energy. The two main types of solids are crystalline solids and amorphous solids.In the case of the crystalline solids, the constituents are arranged in a definite and regular pattern while in the case of the amorphous solids there is an irregular arrangement of the constituent particles is observed.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The meaning of the word amorphous is ‘without form’. The solids which do not possess define shape due to short-range forces and possess irregularity in their structures are known as amorphous solids. These solids are also called pseudo solids or supercooled liquids.

In amorphous solids the constituent particles of the solid are arranged irregularly therefore, these solids do not show the definite melting and boiling points instead they melt over a range of the temperature.
Amorphous solids are isotropic, do not show the definite heat of fusion, and are not rigid like crystalline solids. Examples: Glass, Rubber, Plastic, Gels, ceramics, polymers,etc are examples of amorphous solids.

Note: The irregularity in the structure of the amorphous solids gives rise to the differences in the properties of the crystalline solids and the amorphous solids.There is a lack of long-range forces, no sharp melting point and hence melt over a range of the temperature, no definite heat of fusion, and are isotropic that is its physical properties are same along all the direction these are some properties possessed by the amorphous solids.