Properties of solids

In a pure solid, the atoms are held by electrostatic forces in a regular array in a crystal lattice. This arrangement gives a solid its characteristic properties of strength and hardness.

The forces that hold atoms and molecules in place give solids their strength. Interatomic forces are generally stronger than intermolec-ular forces, so that solids composed of collections of single atoms, such as most metals and diamond, are the strongest. Molecular solids, such as plastics, iodine, dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide), and some metals and alloys, are softer and melt more easily.

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