Crystalline Solids

Definition

Crystalline solids are substances whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions.

Related terms

Unit Cell:

The smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that shows the entire symmetry of the crystal structure.

Ionic Crystal: A type of crystalline solid formed by oppositely charged ions.

Lattice Energy:

The energy required to separate one mole of an ionic compound into its gaseous ions.