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Solids

Definition

Solids are one of the states of matter where molecules are closely packed together and vibrate around a fixed position. They have a definite shape and volume.

Analogy

Imagine solids like students sitting at their desks in a classroom. Each student represents a molecule; they're all in their own space (desk), they can't move around the room freely but they can wiggle in place.

Related terms

Crystalline Solid: A type of solid where the atoms or molecules are arranged in a well-ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions.

Amorphous Solid: A type of solid where there is no long-range order in the position of its atoms or molecules.

Polymerization: The process by which small molecules called monomers combine chemically to produce a very large chainlike or network molecule, called polymer.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.