Substances whose particles do not posses a regular orderly arrangement but have short range order. When amorphous solids are heated they become crystalline at some temperature. Properties of amorphous solids are:
They do not have sharp melting point.
Under go liquefaction over a broad range of temperature.
Do not posses characteristics heats of fusion.
When heated and cooled slowly they become crystalline.
Example: Glass and plastics.
Uses
1. Most widely used amorphous solids are inorganic glasses, used as
construction material
houseware
laboratoryware etc.
2. Another important material is rubber used in making tyres.
Amorphous silica has been found to be the best material for converting sunlight into electricity (in photovoltaic cells).
Difference between amorphous and crystalline solids
They do not have sharp melting point.
