(also, noncrystalline solid) solid in which the particles lack an ordered internal structure

solid in which the particles are arranged in a definite repeating pattern

spaces between the regular particle positions in any array of atoms or ions

solid composed of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions

solid composed of neutral molecules held together by intermolecular forces of attraction

defect that occurs when a position that should contain an atom or ion is vacant

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Chemistry 2e · 10.5 The Solid State of Matter

The Solid State of Matter: practice problems

5 problems from the book, with its answers. Check your working, or have any of them explained to you on the whiteboard.

Exercises 65
At very low temperatures oxygen, O₂, freezes and forms a crystalline solid. Which best describes these crystals?
(a) ionic
(b) covalent network
(c) metallic
(d) amorphous
(e) molecular crystals
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Exercises 67
Explain why ice, which is a crystalline solid, has a melting temperature of 0 °C, whereas butter, which is an amorphous solid, softens over a range of temperatures.
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Exercises 69
Identify the type of crystalline solid (metallic, network covalent, ionic, or molecular) formed by each of the following substances:
(a) CaCl₂
(b) SiC
(c) N₂
(d) Fe
(e) C (graphite)
(f) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃
(g) HCl
(h) NH₄NO₃
(i) K₃PO₄
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Exercises 71

Classify each substance in the table as either a metallic, ionic, molecular, or covalent network solid:

Substance	Appearance	Melting Point	Electrical Conductivity	Solubility in Water
X	brittle, white	800 °C	only if melted/dissolved	soluble
Y	shiny, malleable	1100 °C	high	insoluble
Z	hard, colorless	3550 °C	none	insoluble

Exercises 73
Substance A is shiny, conducts electricity well, and melts at 975 °C. Substance A is likely a(n):
(a) ionic solid
(b) metallic solid
(c) molecular solid
(d) covalent network solid
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Key terms · 8

amorphous solid: (also, noncrystalline solid) solid in which the particles lack an ordered internal structure
covalent network solid: solid whose particles are held together by covalent bonds
crystalline solid: solid in which the particles are arranged in a definite repeating pattern
interstitial sites: spaces between the regular particle positions in any array of atoms or ions
ionic solid: solid composed of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions
metallic solid: solid composed of metal atoms
molecular solid: solid composed of neutral molecules held together by intermolecular forces of attraction
vacancy: defect that occurs when a position that should contain an atom or ion is vacant

Learn 10.5 on the whiteboard

The tutor teaches the whole section, drawing it out step by step and answering your questions as you go.

Read 10.5 in the textbook · This section on openstax.org

The Solid State of Matter: practice problems

5 problems from the book, with its answers. Check your working, or have any of them explained to you on the whiteboard.

Exercises 65

At very low temperatures oxygen, O₂, freezes and forms a crystalline solid. Which best describes these crystals?

(a) ionic

(b) covalent network

(d) amorphous

(e) molecular crystals

Exercises 67

Explain why ice, which is a crystalline solid, has a melting temperature of 0 °C, whereas butter, which is an amorphous solid, softens over a range of temperatures.

Exercises 69

Identify the type of crystalline solid (metallic, network covalent, ionic, or molecular) formed by each of the following substances:

(a) CaCl₂

(b) SiC

(d) Fe

(e) C (graphite)

(f) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃

(g) HCl

(h) NH₄NO₃

(i) K₃PO₄

Exercises 71

Classify each substance in the table as either a metallic, ionic, molecular, or covalent network solid:

Substance	Appearance	Melting Point	Electrical Conductivity	Solubility in Water
X	brittle, white	800 °C	only if melted/dissolved	soluble
Y	shiny, malleable	1100 °C	high	insoluble
Z	hard, colorless	3550 °C	none	insoluble

Exercises 73

Substance A is shiny, conducts electricity well, and melts at 975 °C. Substance A is likely a(n):

(a) ionic solid

(b) metallic solid

(d) covalent network solid

Key terms · 8

amorphous solid: (also, noncrystalline solid) solid in which the particles lack an ordered internal structure
covalent network solid: solid whose particles are held together by covalent bonds
crystalline solid: solid in which the particles are arranged in a definite repeating pattern
interstitial sites: spaces between the regular particle positions in any array of atoms or ions
ionic solid: solid composed of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic attractions
metallic solid: solid composed of metal atoms
molecular solid: solid composed of neutral molecules held together by intermolecular forces of attraction
vacancy: defect that occurs when a position that should contain an atom or ion is vacant

Learn 10.5 on the whiteboard

The tutor teaches the whole section, drawing it out step by step and answering your questions as you go.

Read 10.5 in the textbook · This section on openstax.org