Solids

Front

Solid Noun

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[sol-id]

Back

Solid

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A state of matter characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume, with fixed particles.

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Example: This diagram shows that in a solid, particles (the blue spheres) are packed tightly together in a fixed, organized pattern and can only vibrate.

Front

Fluid Noun

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[floo-id]

Back

Fluid

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A substance, such as a liquid or gas, that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure.

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Example: This diagram shows the three states of matter, illustrating that liquids and gases are fluids because their particles can move and flow, unlike a solid.

Front

Cohesive forces Noun

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[koh-hee-siv for-ses]

Back

Cohesive forces

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The intermolecular attraction between like-molecules within a substance that holds the substance together, resisting separation.

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Example: This image shows cohesion as the force of attraction between similar molecules, represented by two red particles holding hands.

Front

Crystal lattice Noun

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[kris-tl lat-is]

Back

Crystal lattice

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The regular, repeating, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules that forms the structure of a crystalline solid.

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Example: This image shows a crystal lattice, the orderly, repeating three-dimensional pattern of atoms that forms a solid crystal, like in salt or a diamond.

Front

Crystalline solid Noun

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[kris-tl-in sol-id]

Back

Crystalline solid

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A solid material whose constituent particles are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a fixed crystal lattice.

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Example: This diagram shows that in a crystalline solid, the atoms or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating, and predictable pattern.

Front

Amorphous solid Noun

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[uh-mor-fus sol-id]

Back

Amorphous solid

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A solid that lacks the long-range ordered structure of a crystal, having particles that are not in a fixed pattern.

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Example: This image shows a glass, a common amorphous solid, and a magnified view of its molecules, revealing their random, non-repeating arrangement.

Front

Elasticity Noun

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[ee-las-tis-i-tee]

Back

Elasticity

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The ability of a solid object to return to its original form after external forces causing deformation are removed.

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Example: This diagram shows a spring, an elastic solid, stretching when a force (weight) is applied. Doubling the force doubles the stretch, demonstrating a key property of elasticity.

Front

Elastic limit Noun

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[ee-las-tik lim-it]

Back

Elastic limit

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The maximum extent to which a solid may be stretched or deformed without undergoing a permanent change in size or shape.

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Example: This diagram shows a spring at its original length, then stretched beyond its elastic limit, and finally failing to return to its original length, demonstrating permanent deformation.

Front

Malleability Noun

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[mal-ee-uh-bil-i-tee]

Back

Malleability

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A physical property of metals that defines their ability to be hammered, pressed, or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

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Example: This image shows that malleability is a property of solids, like gold, that allows them to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking.

Front

Ductility Noun

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[duk-til-i-tee]

Back

Ductility

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A physical property of a material, especially a metal, associated with its ability to be stretched into a wire.

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Example: A ductile solid, like metal, can be stretched from its starting shape into a long, thin wire without breaking, as shown by the change from the starting to the end point.