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Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous, Major Differences

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous; NEET Syllabus includes topics like the Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous. Read this post and understand the full concept to prepare better for the NEET exam.
authorImagePraveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous : The NEET syllabus is vast, it includes topics like Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous. Crystalline substances boast highly ordered atomic arrangements, exemplified by materials like quartz with distinct repeating patterns.

While in amorphous substances there are no such patterns found, as seen in materials like glass. This knowledge is important for aspiring medical professionals because it ensures to building of a foundational grasp of the diverse molecular structures encountered in the biochemistry syllabus.

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous

The difference between crystalline and amorphous structures lies in their atomic arrangement. Crystalline materials exhibit a highly ordered and repeating pattern, showcasing well-defined surfaces and sharp melting points. Examples include quartz and diamonds. In contrast, amorphous materials lack this order, featuring a random atomic arrangement without a repeating structure. Glass and rubber are examples of amorphous substances. This distinction influences their properties; crystalline materials often have distinct division planes and reproducible X-ray diffraction patterns, while amorphous materials lack such characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial while preparing for NEET because it will help in shaping our understanding of diverse materials encountered in fields like chemistry and materials science.

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous Overview

Understanding the difference between crystalline and amorphous structures is like exploring the behavior of these materials. Here is the table given below for breaking down the unique characteristics of these materials based on all the parameters.
Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous
Parameters Crystalline Amorphous
Structure Highly ordered, repeating pattern Random arrangement without long-range order
Melting Point Sharp and well-defined Gradual, over a range
Transparency May be transparent or opaque, depending on the substance Typically translucent or transparent, but can also be opaque
Cleavage Exhibits cleavage planes Lacks cleavage planes
Breakage Pattern Breaks along definite planes Irregular breakage pattern
Examples Diamonds, table salt (NaCl) Glass, rubber, plastics
Heat of Fusion Sharp melting point corresponds to a specific heat of fusion Gradual softening without a specific heat of fusion
Repeatability Reproducible X-ray diffraction pattern Lacks a definite X-ray diffraction pattern
Order Long-range order in the atomic/molecular arrangement Short-range orders, with a lack of long-range order
Examples in Nature Quartz, ice Glass, rubber

What are Crystalline Substances?

Crystalline substances have a highly ordered atomic or molecular structure with repeating patterns. This regular arrangement results in well-defined surfaces and sharp melting points. Examples include diamonds, table salt (NaCl), and quartz. These substances exhibit distinct cleavage planes and produce reproducible X-ray diffraction patterns.

Example : Table salt (NaCl) forms cubic crystals with well-defined edges and faces due to its ordered arrangement of sodium and chloride ions.

NEET Study Material

What are Amorphous Substances?

Amorphous substances lack long-range order in their atomic or molecular arrangement, resulting in a random and disordered structure. They typically exhibit gradual melting over a range of temperatures and lack distinct cleavage planes. Examples include glass, rubber, and plastics.

Example : Glass is an amorphous solid formed when molten silica cools rapidly, resulting in a random arrangement of atoms without any long-range order.

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NEET Exam Important Links
NEET Chemistry Syllabus NEET Chemistry Important Questions with Answers
NEET Chemistry Chapter wise Weightage NEET Chemistry MCQs
NEET Chemistry Notes NEET Chemistry Formulas

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous FAQs

What is the example of amorphous and crystalline?

Amorphous: Glass is an example of an amorphous substance. Crystalline: Quartz, with its well-defined crystal structure, serves as an example of a crystalline substance.

What is the definition of crystal and amorphous?

Crystal: A crystal is a solid material with a highly ordered and repeating atomic or molecular structure. Amorphous: Amorphous substances lack a well-defined and repeating atomic or molecular arrangement, resulting in a random structure.

What is an amorphous substance with example?

Rubber is an amorphous substance. It lacks a consistent, repeating structure, making it flexible and able to deform without breaking.

What is the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids Class 12?

Crystalline Solids: Have a well-defined and ordered structure, sharp melting points, and distinct cleavage planes. Amorphous Solids: Lack long-range order, exhibit gradual melting, and lack specific cleavage planes.

What is the difference between crystalline and amorphous metals?

Crystalline Metals: Possess a well-ordered atomic arrangement, providing high strength and electrical conductivity. Example: Copper. Amorphous Metals: Lack a long-range order, resulting in unique properties like high strength, low corrosion, and unique magnetic properties. Example: Metallic glasses.
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