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Chapter 11: Problem 104

Which has a greater density, crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) or amorphous \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) ? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) has a greater density than amorphous \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) because its structured and organized particles result in more efficient packing and lesser volume for the same mass compared to the disordered, loosely packed particles of the amorphous form.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Physical Characteristics

Crystalline materials are well ordered or structured materials. The constituent particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) follow a repetitive pattern extending in three dimensional space. The constituent particles are tightly packed thereby reducing the volume a certain mass would occupy. Amorphous materials, on the other hand, lack a systematic and regular arrangement of particles. The packing efficiency in amorphous is lesser than that of crystalline materials, therefore, the same number of particles occupy more volume in amorphous state.
02

Comparing the densities

The density of a substance is given by its mass divided by its volume. Since the mass for both amorphous and crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is the same, the deciding factor is the volume. Since crystalline substances are more tightly packed together, they occupy less volume than amorphous substances. Thus, for the same mass, the volume of crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is less than that of amorphous \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\).
03

Drawing a Conclusion

Since density is a ratio of mass to volume, and given that crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) occupies less volume for the same mass, it is concluded that crystalline \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) has a greater density than amorphous \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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