Ponyboy7
Posts: 572
Joined: 1/14/2006 Status: offline
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It is a "vitreous" solid. This means it is a solid, but it is not a crystalline solid. For example, volcanic glass, will become crystalline over time (see wikipedia), but it was always a solid; it is not undergoing a phase transition. Just because a solid does not have a ordered crystal structure, and is thus vitreous, does not mean it is any less of a solid. Other examples are plastics and gels. Anyway, if you don't believe me, then check out Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids. Glass is the subject of many articles in this solid state physics peer reviewed journal. The journal self describes as: "A journal on the chemical, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of glasses, amorphous semiconductors and metals..." It also notes that papers on the liquid state of these solids are also included in so far as the properties of the liquid are relevant for the formation of the solid. I was a physics major as an undergrad and have taken a couple courses in solid state physics; glass was one of the materials discussed because it is a common non-crystalline solid and can have interesting properties. Anyway, it is not uncommon to think of non-crystalline solids as viscous liquids, but one must understand that having a defined crystal structure is not a requirement to being classified as a solid. Glasses have melting points (1723 °C for silica glass) just like any other solid, and have well defined phase transitions at 1 atm as well as a defintite heat of fusion.
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