crystalline solids
Crystalline solids are materials whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern. This structure gives them distinct geometric shapes and well-defined edges. Common examples of crystalline solids include table salt and diamonds, which exhibit unique properties due to their orderly arrangement.
The arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids leads to specific physical characteristics, such as high melting points and hardness. These solids can be classified into different types based on their bonding and structure, including ionic, covalent, and metallic crystals. Understanding these properties is essential in fields like materials science and chemistry.