Atomic arrangement classification: material with order in some directions only Identify the correct term for a material whose atoms are regularly arranged in some directions but not in others (partially ordered structure). Choose the correct classification.
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Materials
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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AAmorphous material
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BMesomorphous material (e.g., liquid crystalline)
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CCrystalline material
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DNone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Mesomorphous material (e.g., liquid crystalline)
Explanation
Concept
- Crystalline: long-range periodic order in three dimensions.
- Amorphous: no long-range order.
- Mesomorphous (mesophase): partial/anisotropic order (e.g., liquid crystals) — ordered in some directions, disordered in others.
ReasoningThe description matches a mesomorphic state (partial long-range orientation), not fully crystalline or fully amorphous.
Final AnswerMesomorphous material (e.g., liquid crystalline)