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Related Concept Videos

Structures of Solids02:22

Structures of Solids

21.6K
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...
21.6K
Metallic Solids02:37

Metallic Solids

21.4K
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....
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Network Covalent Solids02:18

Network Covalent Solids

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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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Lattice Centering and Coordination Number02:33

Lattice Centering and Coordination Number

15.5K
The structure of a crystalline solid, whether a metal or not, is best described by considering its simplest repeating unit, which is referred to as its unit cell. The unit cell consists of lattice points that represent the locations of atoms or ions. The entire structure then consists of this unit cell repeating in three dimensions. The three different types of unit cells present in the cubic lattice are illustrated in Figure 1.
Types of Unit Cells
Imagine taking a large number of identical...
15.5K
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes02:58

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

31.8K
Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
31.8K
Ionic Crystal Structures02:42

Ionic Crystal Structures

20.9K
Ionic crystals consist of two or more different kinds of ions that usually have different sizes. The packing of these ions into a crystal structure is more complex than the packing of metal atoms that are the same size.
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
10:37

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters

Published on: January 9, 2014

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Watching Atoms Work: Nanocluster Structure and Dynamics.

Stephen J Pennycook1,2,3, Wu Zhou4, Sokrates T Pantelides3,4,5

  • 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore.

ACS Nano
|September 26, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Electron microscopy now images atomic arrangements and dynamics. Chen et al. observed silicon atoms forming cubic crystals under electron beam stimulation.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Physics

Background:

  • Electron microscopy resolution has advanced significantly, enabling atomic-level imaging.
  • Electron beams can interact with atoms, revealing their dynamics and structural evolution.

Discussion:

  • Chen et al. utilized advanced electron microscopy to observe silicon (Si) atoms.
  • The study captured the in-situ growth of Si atoms under electron beam stimulation.

Key Insights:

  • Direct imaging of atomic arrangements and dynamics is now achievable.
  • Silicon atoms were observed forming ordered cubic crystalline structures.
  • Electron beam irradiation can induce and direct atomic self-assembly.

Outlook:

  • This technique opens new avenues for understanding and controlling nanoscale material synthesis.
  • Further research can explore dynamic processes in other atomic systems.
  • Potential applications in semiconductor fabrication and novel material discovery.