Matter in the Solid
Phase
Solid Phase
Properties observed in solids, like those in liquids, can also be
explained through the interparticle forces within them. Recall that
in solids, the particles are more attracted to one another, which
allows them to be in contact in fixed positions, thus occupying
specific amount of space. This explains the definite shape and
volume of solids.
The particles have less kinetic energy, so the movement of the
particles-like vibrational motion at the fixed point- is very limited,
though possible
Solid Phase
An increase in temperature of a solid brings about an increase in
the kinetic energy of the particles and may cause them to move
about but still within limits of the attractive forces holding them.
Expansion or increase in volume takes place, but this volume
change is relatively small.
Outside or external pressure has very little effect on the volume of
a solid. Unless the individual particles are deformed, there will be
no significant compression and consequent change in volume.
Solids are therefore said to be incompressible.
Solid Phase
The temperature at which the solid melts is called melting point.
The temperature depends on the strength of the attractive forces
of the atoms, ions, or molecules that compose the solid- the
stronger the attractive forces the higher the melting point. The
amount of heat required to completely melt a solid once it has
reached its melting point is called its heat of fusion.
Vapor Pressure in Solid
The attractive forces among the particles of the solid are supposed
to keep them in the solid state until it starts to melt. However, like
liquids, some particles in solids may have the minimum energy to
escape from the surface and pass to a gas or vapor without being a
liquid. The change from solid to gas without passing through the
liquid state is called sublimation.
If a solid that sublimes at an appreciable rate placed in a closed
container and the temperature at which it sublimes is kept
constant, an equilibrium is established between the solid and its
vapor crystalizes again in solid. The vapor pressure of a solid is the
pressure exerted by the vapor when in equilibrium with the solid,
at a given temperature.
Classes of Solids
1. Amorphous Solid- The word amorphous means that the solid does not
always adopt the same form. Its constituent particles are randomly arranged.
Examples: asphalt, rubber, glass, and plastic
*These solids are the result of the melting, cooling, and solidifying liquids
before the particles can achieve internal order or having large molecules that
are tangled together.
2. Crystalline Solid –It is a solid in which the constituent particles such as
atoms, ions or molecules have an orderly arrangement, meaning, it has
regularly arranged structure units with characteristics geometric forms. Thus,
crystals show regular shapes which reflect the arrangement of the particles
within them.
Types of Crystalline Solids
1. Metallic Crystals- simplest type of structure since single
metallic atoms are the constituent units. The geometric
shape is determined by the most efficient way in which
its spherical atoms can be packed.
Two Types of Atom Packing in Crystals:
A. Face-Centered Cubic
B. Hexagonal Close-Packing
Types of Crystalline Solids
2. Ionic Crystals- have ions as constituent particles. The
electrostatic forces of attraction among the ions are relatively
strong, because of this, salt crystals have relatively high melting
points.
3. Molecular crystals – those which have molecules as constituent
particles as well as structure units. Weak van der Waals forces of
attraction hold them together.
4. Covalent Network Crystals – giant molecules or macromolecules
that consist of very large number of atoms linked by a network of
covalent bond. Ex: Asbestos
Polymorphism is the property shown by substances which have
molecules or ions that can assume more than one stable
arrangement in the solid state.
Allotropes are the different molecular forms or various crystal
modifications of a polymorphous element.
Ex: Carbon has allotropic forms- diamond, graphite and
buckminsterfullerene (1985)
