Introduction
Along with liquid and gas, it is one of the three fundamental states of matter. On occasion, ionized gases or plasmas are referred to as the fourth state of matter. A solid evolves from a liquid or gas because the energy of atoms decreases when they occupy a reasonably ordered, three-dimensional structure. Solids have special characteristics that set them apart from liquids and gases. For example, all solids are capable of withstanding forces that are directed either parallel or perpendicular to a surface (i.e., normal or shear loads, respectively). The physical forces that exist between the atoms that make up the solid and their arrangement both affect these properties. Solid-state physics, the main discipline of condensed matter physics, focuses mostly on solids (which also includes liquids). The physical and chemical properties of solids are the main focus of materials science. Problems including the synthesis of novel materials, chemical composition studies, and identification are heavily stressed in solid-state chemistry. A solid's atoms are connected either in a regular geometric lattice (such as that found in metals and common ice) or in an asymmetrical manner (an amorphous solid such as common window glass). While gases can be squeezed with little pressure because their molecules are loosely packed, solids cannot be compressed with low pressure.
Solids can have atoms, molecules, or ions organized randomly or in an ordered, repeating pattern. Crystals are substances that have their parts arranged predictably. In some circumstances, such as those where each diamond is a single crystal, the regular arrangement can persist uninterrupted over a great scale. Rarely are solid structures big enough to see and handle created of a single crystal; instead, they are typically constructed of a lot of single crystals called crystallites, which can range in size from a few nanometres to several meters. These substances are referred to as polycrystalline. Numerous ceramics and almost all common metals are polycrystalline. There is no long-range order in the atoms' positions in other materials. Amorphous solids are these substances; polystyrene and glass are two examples. Depending on the substance and the circumstances of formation, a solid may be crystalline or amorphous. While solids that are frozen quickly are more likely to be amorphous, solids that are created by prolonged cooling tend to be crystalline. Similar to this, the particular crystal structure a crystalline solid adopts relies on the material and the formation process used.
While many everyday objects, like an ice cube or a coin, have a consistent chemical composition throughout, many other everyday materials are made up of several different chemicals mixed. For instance, a typical rock is an amalgamation of several minerals and mineraloids with no particular chemical makeup. Wood is a naturally occurring organic substance made mostly of cellulose fibres embedded in an organic lignin matrix. Composites with more than one constituent material can be created in materials science to have specific qualities.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Solids
In general, solids have certain traits that distinguish them from liquids and gases. They can withstand any force that is applied to their surface, for instance. However, the features of atoms, such as their arrangement and the forces that exist between them, greatly influence the solid state of compounds.
- Solid are incompressible, which causes their component particles to be packed closely together with little room in between.
- A solid is immovable. This results in it being fixed or hard because there isn't enough space between the constituent particles.
- Solids have compact arrangements of their component particles because they have definite mass, volume, and shape.
- Little intermolecular space exists between molecules. There is a strong force between the constituent particles as a result (atoms, molecules, or ions).
- Only the oscillations of the mean locations of the constituent particles are feasible.
Types of Solids
Different types of forces can exist between the atoms in a solid. For instance, ionic sodium and chlorine are bound together by ionic bonds to form the crystal structure of sodium chloride (common salt). Covalent bonds are created when the atoms in silicon or diamond share electrons. In metallic bonding, electrons are shared by metals. Van der Waals forces, which are produced by the polarization of the electrical charge cloud on each molecule, hold some solids, most notably most organic compounds, together. The variations in their bonding are the cause of the distinctions between the various types of solids.
Crystalline Solid
A solid whose constituents, such as atoms, molecules, or ions, are arranged in a distinctive and orderly fashion throughout a large amount of the crystal lattice is known as a crystal, also known as a crystalline solid. When we talk about long-range orders, we mean this. Geometries are often present in solids having crystalline structures. Atoms, molecules, or ions are dispersed over the three-dimensional network of the crystal in a variety of solids in a long-range order. Examples include sodium chloride, quartz, diamond, etc.
Properties of Crystalline Solids
- Sharp melting points are the temperatures at which crystalline solids begin to melt.
- Solids coated in crystals have recognized shapes and predictable particle arrangements.
- When sliced with the edge of a sharp tool, they can split into two pieces with smooth, straightforward surfaces.
- They undoubtedly produce fusion heat (the amount of energy needed to melt a given mass of solid at its melting point).
- Due to the anisotropy of crystalline materials, tests of their physical characteristics, like electrical resistance or refractive index, taken inside a single crystal at different angles may yield noticeably different results.
Amorphous Solid
The internal structure of amorphous materials is made up of interconnected structural units that may resemble the fundamental structural units present in the corresponding crystalline phase of the same compound. The degree of connectedness between a substance's fundamental building elements determines whether it is a liquid or a solid; solids are distinguished by a high level of connectivity, whereas fluids' structural building units have lesser connectivity.
Properties of Amorphous Solid
- The constituent particles of an amorphous solid are not arranged in a long-range order. They might have a few discrete areas of organized layout, though.
- An amorphous solid melts over a wide range of temperatures instead of having a distinct melting point. For instance, glass heated to a certain temperature softens and ultimately melts.
- When an amorphous material is heated and then gently cooled by annealing, at some temperature it crystallizes. Glass objects from antiquity appear milky because of some crystallization that has taken place, which is why.
- Because their molecules are organized somewhat randomly, similar to those in a liquid state, amorphous solids are frequently referred to as supercooled liquids.
- Amorphous solids are similar to liquids in that they lack an ordered structure, such as an atomic or ionic arrangement that is neatly arranged in three dimensions.
Glass vs. Quartz
There are several natural resources nearby that we use as humans for a variety of activities in our everyday lives and even in other professions. These organic components are occasionally mixed to create new products. In addition to the natural material from which they are created, many goods have other uses. The naturally occurring element found on Earth is iron, for instance, and when it is joined with another element, such as carbon, or steel, an alloy with unique qualities and applications, is created. Two more materials are comparable to that, namely glass and quartz.
The relative amounts of silicon dioxide in glass and quartz are what distinguish them most from one another. Glass contains over 80% silicon dioxide, which is a quite high percentage. However, quartz contains about 90% silicon dioxide, which is less than other minerals.
Difference Between Glass and Quartz in Tabular Form
| Parameters of Comparison | Glass | Quartz |
| Definition | The term "glass" refers to a non-crystalline, translucent, unformed material. | Quartz is an extremely durable crystalline silicon material. |
| Content of Silicon Dioxide | Less | More |
| Structure | Arbitrary chemical structure | Symmetry in the structure of molecules |
| Form | Non-crystalline | Crystalline |
| Electricity Flow | Insulator | Conductor |
What is Glass?
The term "glass" refers to a non-crystalline, translucent, unformed material. Glass is employed in a variety of contexts and methods. It is used to decorate as well as to create several items that are used to decorate various homes. In addition, it is employed in the production of kitchenware such as plates, beakers, cups, etc. Amorphous, non-crystalline, and transparent materials fall under the category of glass. It is mostly composed of limestone, soda ash, and sand. It is extensively utilized in a variety of contexts. Glass that was discovered in its natural state during the stone age was utilized to carve a variety of tools and create weapons. The obsidian glass did it.
Humans previously utilized glass cutting when they hadn't discovered iron smelting. For the last 6000 years, glass has been cut using this method. The first glass goods that have been discovered are thought to be beads, which were created as a by-product of metalworking and glass cutting. The glass that was discovered up until the 15th century BC was impure and had numerous defects.
Glass is frequently used in construction. The installed window panes are constructed of glass. It is also used to make a variety of dinnerware. Glass is used to make a wide variety of drinking glasses. Glass is also used in the kitchenware, which includes plates, bowls, cups, saucers, serving bowls, lids, spoons, bottles, jars, and jugs. The equipment utilized in numerous research facilities to conduct various tests is also made of glass. Due to its benefits, such as its low cost and availability in a variety of shapes and sizes, etc., using equipment made of glass is practical. Glass is also used to make beakers, measuring jars, test tubes, pipettes, flasks, and thermometers.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is a kind of crystalline silicon that is incredibly resilient. It is a member of the silicate mineral class. It mainly comes in two shapes. The first form of quartz is alpha quartz, while the second type is beta quartz, which is visible at higher temperatures. It is mostly employed to make false jewellery and carvings. Quartz is a type of hard mineral that is tough, silicon-based, and crystalline in form. The Germanic word "Quartz" is the source of the English term "quartz." There are numerous kinds of quartz, which are categorized into groups based on specific standards. Each of these several quartz types has particular properties and applications.
According to a Roman naturalist, quartz is a long-frozen type of water that is typically found close to glaciers and other frigid areas. Other characteristics of quartz were later shown to exist. Quartz's piezoelectric characteristics, however, were first identified in 1880. The first quartz oscillator was developed in 1923. The various colours that can be observed in quartz are caused by the impurities that are present; white quartz is the purest form; the other colours can be seen in quartz. Quartz can also be found in the following colours besides white: red, green, orange, pink, purple, black, brown, yellow, and grey. Rarely, quartz can also be discovered in its multicoloured form.
Quartz has a wide range of applications. Quartz is used to produce jewellery, clocks and watches, and it can generate electric potential because of its piezoelectric feature. Quartz also serves as gemstones in jewellery manufacturing and has high melting points, which makes it a suitable material for a variety of laboratory equipment.
Difference Between Glass and Quartz In Points
- Glass lacks crystal structure. Quartz, on the other hand, is crystalline.
- Glass has a lower silicon dioxide concentration. Quartz, on the other hand, contains more silicon dioxide than other materials.
- Glass's molecular composition is arbitrary. Quartz, on the other hand, has a symmetrical molecular structure.
- An insulator is a glass. Quartz, on the other hand, is a conductor.
- Glass is unable to endure pressures and temperatures above normal. Quartz, on the other hand, can resist higher pressures and temperatures.
Conclusion
Glass and quartz are both widely used in technology, including in architecture, the production of dinnerware, crucibles, glass cutting, ceramics, electronics, kitchen countertops, tool sharpening, oleum, refractory, and metal casting industries, among others. Additionally, it is employed in other industries. These resources are very beneficial to people. However, we must utilize these resources wisely and safeguard and maintain them for our upcoming generations. Additionally, we must watch out that we don't deplete other natural resources in the process.
References
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b08492
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022309387802946
