What describes amorphous solids?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Amorphous solids are characterized by their lack of long-range order in their atomic structure, which differentiates them from crystalline solids that possess a well-defined geometric arrangement of atoms. In amorphous solids, the atoms are arranged more randomly, leading to properties such as the absence of a specific melting point. Instead of smoothly transitioning from solid to liquid at a particular temperature, amorphous solids soften over a range of temperatures. This gives them unique characteristics such as flexibility and a variety of optical properties, which are utilized in materials like glass and certain plastics. Therefore, the defining feature of amorphous solids is indeed their lack of long-range atomic order and specific melting points.

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