The Characteristics of solid bodies Are very specific, differentiate them from objects that undergo other states of matter (liquid and gaseous), and give them specific applications.
In general, matter has Common features : Has mass, volume, density, inertia, among other properties. But the difference in these particularities in different elements allows that there exist several states of matter, with very definite peculiarities.
One of the main qualities of Solid objects Is that they resist external forces that try to transform them. For example, both plastic and glass are solid bodies and both, in different measures, offer resistance to the possibility of transformation.
Another relevant feature of solids is that, by their very nature, they resist the possibility of changing from being at rest to being in motion.
There are solid bodies large or small: for example, both a pin and a soccer ball are solid objects. And given the strong structure of which they are composed, the solid bodies are characterized by always maintaining the same shape and size.
10 most relevant characteristics of solids
1- Its structure is rigid
The molecular composition of the solids is rigid. This means that the particles that form them are located in a compact, characteristic that makes them resistant.
This is a peculiarity that differentiates solids from other states of matter: in liquids, the particles are not so compacted, which allows them to change their shape. And in the case of the gases, the particles are even more separated from each other and move rapidly in different directions.
2- Two large types: crystalline and amorphous
Solids have many characteristics and specific properties that differentiate them from each other.
It is not the same to speak of a cookie, a table, a glass or a grain of sugar; Although all are solid elements, have different characteristics. There are two major classifications.
On the one hand, are the crystalline solids. These elements are characterized in that the molecules that form them are configured in the same way, which is repeated as a pattern throughout the crystal. Each pattern is called a cell unit.
The crystalline solids are also characterized by having a defined melting point; This means that, given the uniformity of the arrangement of their molecules, there is the same distance between each cell unit, which allows the whole structure to transform constantly under the same temperature.
Examples of crystalline solids may be salt and sugar.
Amorphous solids are characterized because the conformation of their molecules does not respond to a pattern, but varies across the surface.
Since there is no such pattern, the melting point of the amorphous solids is not defined, unlike in the crystalline ones, which means that it melts gradually and under different temperatures.
Examples of amorphous solids can be glass and most plastics.
3- Constant volume and shape
As seen above, the particles that make up the solids are located very close to each other and compactly.
For this reason, solids are characterized by always maintaining the same size, that is, they have constant volume; And also keep the same shape. This is why it is said that the shape and volume of a solid are defined.
4- Can not be compressed
Due to their rigidity, the solids do not have the capacity of compression. Even if pressure is applied forcefully, these objects will always remain the same shape and volume.
5- Vibrational molecular motion
The particles that make up the solids are located compactly. This feature prevents particles from moving freely and in different directions, as in the case of liquid and gaseous elements.
However, there is a movement of these particles, despite the tight arrangement.
The force that attracts the particles to each other is very strong, which means that they remain in place and generate a movement so slight that it is perceived as a vibration.
6- High density
The density of an object has to do with the amount of mass that exists in a given volume.
Given the compact manner in which the particles of the solid bodies are arranged, they are characterized by having high density. This makes them perceived as heavier than objects in liquid or solid state.
7- Fragility
Solid state objects are characterized by being fragile. They can break when a specific force is applied.
Depending on the size and density of an object, it will be necessary to apply more or less force. But in all cases, solid objects are susceptible to breakage and to decompose into pieces.
8- Dilation and contraction
Solid bodies have the characteristic that they are transformed under the action of heat. This phenomenon is called thermal expansion and is generated in the wide, high and long scopes.
When solid objects come in contact with heat, they tend to dilate; That is, it increases its volume.
This happens because the heat generates an increase in the vibrations of the particles that make up the solids, which causes them to separate a little. When these bodies cool, a contraction occurs.
9- Tenacity
This characteristic of the solids is related to the opposition presented by an object before the break or fracture. This does not imply that the solids are unbreakable, it only indicates that resistance is generated to external forces.
There are solids that have more tenacity than others, however, all solid bodies have this characteristic.
10- Hardness
Hardness is a characteristic linked to the resistance of some bodies to changes caused by scratches, burns or other permanent changes.
As long as an object is harder, it will be more resistant to transformation. For example, glass is an element with high hardness.
On the contrary, if an object is less hard, the transformation will be less resisted. For example, wood is an element with low hardness.
References
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