Question

Which of the following is an amorphous solid?
A.Glass
B.Diamond
C.Salt
D.Sugar

Answer 1

To answer this question, you must recall the properties of amorphous and crystalline solids. Amorphous solids can be said to be those solids which have a random setup of atoms, like those present in gas. We can also say that it has no long range order while crystalline solids do.

Complete step by step solution:
Amorphous solid can be defined as a solid which lacks long range order which is a very important characteristic of a crystal. Precisely, we can say that an amorphous solid is a non-crystalline solid in which the constituent atoms or molecules are not arranged in a definite lattice pattern.
In amorphous solids, the particles (atoms or molecules) do not form a three dimensional lattice that is a characteristic of solids. So they have a molecular arrangement of short order. Also, when cut or broken, amorphous solids break into uneven pieces with irregular edges.
In glass, the particles are not arranged in a periodic array and thus do not have a proper structure. Glass is an amorphous solid.
Diamond is a three dimensional natural polymer of carbon having a crystal structure.
Salt and sugar also have definite order and structure in their lattices. They possess long range order and are crystalline solids.

Thus the correct option is A.

Note: Amorphous solids are important and have various applications due to their properties. They are more soluble than many crystalline forms and are thus used in delivering poorly soluble drugs in pharmaceuticals. They are relatively less stable chemically and can be used for rapid degradation reactions.