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Solid–Solid Solutions

Solid–Solid Solutions

The temperature-composition phase diagram of two solids, A and B, which are immiscible in the solid phase but form miscible liquids, shows that when the temperature is low, these two exist as separate, pure solids (A and B). As the temperature increases, they transition into a single-phase liquid solution where A and B coexist. Moving from point a1 to a2 in the phase diagram, the composition changes such that solid B begins to separate from the solution, enriching the remaining liquid with A.

Molecular and Ionic Solids

Molecular and Ionic Solids

Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...

Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing

Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing

Heating a crystalline solid increases the average energy of its atoms, molecules, or ions, and the solid gets hotter. At some point, the added energy becomes large enough to partially overcome the forces holding the molecules or ions of the solid in their fixed positions, and the solid begins the process of transitioning to the liquid state or melting. At this point, the temperature of the solid stops rising, despite the continual input of heat, and it remains constant until all of the solid is...

Structures of Solids

Structures of Solids

Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...

Metallic Solids

Metallic Solids

Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...

Network Covalent Solids

Network Covalent Solids

Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Published on: January 26, 2014

Melting of two-dimensional solids.

W F Brinkman, D S Fisher, D E Moncton

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|August 20, 1982

Summary

Melting of two-dimensional solids may involve a two-step process with an intermediate hexatic phase. Experiments on liquid crystals and xenon on graphite support this theoretical prediction for phase transitions.

Area of Science:

Condensed matter physics
Materials science
Statistical mechanics

Background:

Theoretical models propose that melting in two-dimensional solids initiates with dislocation creation.
A two-step melting process is theorized, featuring an intermediate hexatic phase.
The hexatic phase exhibits orientational order but lacks positional atomic order.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the theoretical predictions of two-step melting in two-dimensional solids.
To experimentally validate the existence and properties of the hexatic phase.
To compare experimental observations with theoretical models of phase transitions.

Main Methods:

Numerical simulations of two-dimensional systems.
Experimental studies using electrons on liquid helium.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Published on: January 26, 2014

Analyzing Melts and Fluids from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations with the UMD Package

Analyzing Melts and Fluids from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations with the UMD Package

Published on: September 17, 2021

Experiments on liquid crystal films and rare gas layers (e.g., xenon) adsorbed on graphite.

Main Results:

Experiments on liquid crystal films provide evidence for a three-dimensional analog of the hexatic phase.
Xenon on graphite displays a melting transition consistent with theoretical predictions.
Numerical simulations aid in understanding the mechanisms of dislocation-mediated melting.

Conclusions:

The findings support the theory of a two-step melting process involving a hexatic phase in two-dimensional systems.
Experimental evidence from diverse systems aligns with theoretical predictions for phase transitions.
Dislocation-mediated melting is a key mechanism in the phase behavior of reduced-dimensionality materials.