Summary
Highlights
Ionic solids are composed of oppositely charged ions that form crystals through electrical attraction. They can easily dissolve in polar solvents like water and have high melting points. They are also prone to cleavage when directional force is applied due to repulsive forces between like-charged ions.
These solids are made up of distinct molecules held together by weak van der Waals forces, making them soft and easy to melt at low temperatures. They do not conduct heat or electricity efficiently.
Covalent network solids consist of atoms connected by covalent bonds into a continuous network. They are very strong and have high melting points, as found in silicates and allotropic forms of carbon like diamond.
Metallic solids consist of positive ions in a sea of delocalized electrons, which allows metals to conduct electricity and heat well. These solids are ductile and do not easily fracture due to the electron sea maintaining cohesion.
Discussion on crystallization forms, including single and polycrystalline structures, and how alloys are formed by mixing metals either by substitution or interstitial methods to alter their properties.