Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Properties of Solids
Dr. DeBacco
Solids
Solids have strong particle interactions and minimal kinetic energy, which prevent flow or expansion like liquids or gases.
Characteristics of Solids
Definite Shape and Volume
A rock or a metal cube retains its form regardless of the container.
High Density
Solids typically have high density because particles are closely packed. Exceptions include solids like ice, which is less dense than liquid water due to its open molecular structure.
Incompressibility
Compressing a steel block requires immense force.
Rigidity/Mechanical Strength
A wooden beam supports weight without deforming easily.
Low Diffusivity
A sugar crystal does not spontaneously mix with water unless dissolved.
Characteristics of Solids
Fixed Melting Point
Ice melts at 0°C under standard pressure.
Crystalline or Amorphous Structure
Solids can be crystalline, with particles arranged in a repeating, orderly lattice (ex. Salt and diamonds), or amorphous, with a disordered structure (ex. Glass and rubber).
Elasticity or Plasticity
Some solids return to their original shape after deformation (ex. rubber band), while others permanently deform (ex. clay).
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity (Material-Dependent)
Some solids, like metals, conduct heat and electricity and others, like wood or glass, are poor conductors (insulators).
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1PDjRHQbdq1hhk4ShYqgiOc2P_4jjUeyi/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Properties of Solids" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1tNOOXgd5fzfn7FT-1P0U4oImap87VJn3/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true
Properties of Solids
Dr. DeBacco
Solids
Solids have strong particle interactions and minimal kinetic energy, which prevent flow or expansion like liquids or gases.
Characteristics of Solids
Definite Shape and Volume
A rock or a metal cube retains its form regardless of the container.
High Density
Solids typically have high density because particles are closely packed. Exceptions include solids like ice, which is less dense than liquid water due to its open molecular structure.
Incompressibility
Compressing a steel block requires immense force.
Rigidity/Mechanical Strength
A wooden beam supports weight without deforming easily.
Low Diffusivity
A sugar crystal does not spontaneously mix with water unless dissolved.
Characteristics of Solids
Fixed Melting Point
Ice melts at 0°C under standard pressure.
Crystalline or Amorphous Structure
Solids can be crystalline, with particles arranged in a repeating, orderly lattice (ex. Salt and diamonds), or amorphous, with a disordered structure (ex. Glass and rubber).
Elasticity or Plasticity
Some solids return to their original shape after deformation (ex. rubber band), while others permanently deform (ex. clay).
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity (Material-Dependent)
Some solids, like metals, conduct heat and electricity and others, like wood or glass, are poor conductors (insulators).
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1PDjRHQbdq1hhk4ShYqgiOc2P_4jjUeyi/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Properties of Solids" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1tNOOXgd5fzfn7FT-1P0U4oImap87VJn3/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true








![Orbital Configuration Anomalies
Orbital Configuration Anomalies
Orbital Anomalies in Electron Configurations
In atomic chemistry, orbital anomalies refer to cases where elements deviate from the expected electron configuration based on the Aufbau principle.
These anomalies usually occur in transition metals and are driven by stability preferences for half-filled or fully-filled subshells.
Why Do These Anomalies Occur?
Exchange energy: Parallel spins in half-filled orbitals reduce repulsion.
Symmetry and stability: Half-filled and fully-filled subshells are energetically favorable.
Electron-electron interactions: Can shift orbital energies slightly, making unexpected configurations more stable.
Chromium (Cr)
Expected: [Ar] 4s² 3d⁴
Actual: [Ar] 4s¹ 3d⁵
Reason: A half-filled 3d⁵ subshell is more stable than 3d⁴.
Copper (Cu)
Expected: [Ar] 4s² 3d⁹
Actual: [Ar] 4s¹ 3d¹⁰
Reason: A fully-filled 3d¹⁰ subshell is more stable than 3d⁹.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Expected: [Kr] 5s² 4d⁴
Actual: [Kr] 5s¹ 4d⁵
Silver (Ag)
Expected: [Kr] 5s² 4d⁹
Actual: [Kr] 5s¹ 4d¹⁰
Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zokEkS3zmbHSFitt6Sss_Vpj7RRbMI1w/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for Orbital Configuration Anomalies can be viewed at... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QrDA6qej4XieVNh1TQOucFRhk9woWG8h/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true Orbital Configuration Anomalies](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nYbLZeihmuQ/mqdefault.jpg)

