I keep getting “Crystalline vs amorphous” questions wrong in The Solid State. What's the trap?
calling glass a true crystalline solid.
The usual trap: calling glass a true crystalline solid. How to avoid it: glass is a 'supercooled liquid' — no sharp melting point. Go back to the definition — crystalline solids have long-range ordered arrangement and sharp melting points; amorphous solids (glass) lack order and soften over a range.
Key point
Crystalline vs amorphous
Common mistake
calling glass a true crystalline solid.
Memory tip
glass is a 'supercooled liquid' — no sharp melting point.
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