In terms of organization, which description applies to crystalline solids compared to amorphous solids?

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The description that applies to crystalline solids is a structured arrangement of atoms. Crystalline solids are characterized by their highly ordered and repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a three-dimensional lattice structure. This regularity leads to distinct geometric shapes and contributes to their unique physical properties, such as well-defined melting points and anisotropy, where their properties can vary based on the direction of measurement.

In contrast, amorphous solids lack such a long-range order. Their atoms are arranged more randomly, contributing to different mechanical and thermal properties. The orderly structure of crystalline solids enables them to exhibit uniform behavior under external forces, making them generally stronger and more rigid compared to the disordered arrangement found in amorphous materials. This structured arrangement is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes crystalline solids from their amorphous counterparts.

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