Conceptual Physics Chapter 12: Solids

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 12 of Conceptual Physics focused on solids.

Crystal Structure

The regular arrangement of atoms in a crystal.

X-ray Diffraction

A pattern produced when an X-ray beam is shone on a crystal, indicating its crystalline nature.

Amorphous Solids

Solids that do not have atoms arranged in a regular array.

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons.

Metallic Bond

A type of bond found in metals, characterized by a sea of shared electrons.

Van der Waals Bond

The weakest type of bond between atoms.

Density

The amount of mass per unit volume of a material.

Intrinsic Property

A property that is inherent to a material, independent of its quantity.

Elasticity

A measure of how much an object's size changes when a deforming force is applied and how well it returns to its original shape.

Inelastic

Materials that do not return to their original shape after a deforming force is removed.

Hooke's Law

The principle stating that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to it.

Tension

The state of being pulled or stretched.

Compression

The state of being squashed or pressed together.

I-beam

A beam with a cross-section shaped like the letter I, used for its strength and reduced weight.

Arches

Structures that utilize the compressive strength of materials, reducing the need for supporting columns.

Catenary

The natural curve of a hanging chain, which is also the proper shape for an arch supporting its own weight.

Scaling

The study of how the volume and shape of an object affect its strength, weight, and surface area.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

The ratio that decreases with increasing size, affecting the object's strength and stability.