Solids can take many forms. In this chapter, we mainly studied crystalline solids. Many solids that we come across in our daily lives are amorphous solids. Choose a solid. Do some research and provide some information about it, including it’s composition. Classify it as a crystalline solid or amorphous solid. If it is crystalline, is it an atomic solid, ionic solid, or covalent solid? There are many examples in the textbook. Here are some potential topics.
Carbon
Allotropes
graphite
diamond
nanotubes
fullerenes
Ceramics
Silicate ceramics
Clays
Porcelain
Oxide ceramics
Nonoxide ceramics
Cement
Glass
Plastics and polymers
Semiconductors
In your discussion, include the following
Name and classification of the solid (amorphous or crystalline, if crystalline: atomic solid, covalent solid, or network covalent solid)
Chemical composition of the solid. Is it a pure substance? If so, what is the chemical formula? Is it a mixture? If so what are the chemical formulas of the components. If all components are not known, what are the major components? Is a reaction required to form the solid?
Information about the solid. Why did you choose it? Provide two particularly interesting or unexpected points about the solid that you learned from your research and think that the class would also find intriguing.
