An Introduction to

Crystal Structures
Welcome to the fascinating realm of crystal structures! In this
presentation, we will explore the fundamental concepts of crystal
structures and their critical role in engineering physics.
Understanding these structures is essential as they dictate the
physical and chemical properties of materials. Join us as we delve
into the intricacies of ionic, covalent, metallic, and molecular
crystals, comparing their characteristics, and highlighting their
diverse applications in technology and industry.
Ionic Crystals
Formation and Structure Key Properties Applications

Ionic crystals are formed through Ionic crystals boast high melting Ionic crystals are used as optical
the electrostatic attraction points, substantial hardness, and materials and insulators. Sodium
between positively charged cations excellent electrical insulation. Chloride is commonly used in
and negatively charged anions. These properties make them prisms or lenses. Electrical
The quintessential example is invaluable in various applications, insulators prevent current leakage
Sodium Chloride (NaCl), where ranging from optical materials to from conductors and protect users
sodium ions donate electrons to insulators in electrical circuits. from electric shock.
• Optical materials
chlorine ions, creating a stable,
• High melting point •
repeating lattice. Insulators
• Electrostatic attraction • Hardness
• NaCl structure example • Electrical insulation
Ionic Crystal Properties
Electrostatic Forces
Ionic crystals are defined by strong electrostatic forces, binding ions together.
This robust interaction is the cornerstone of their stability and characteristic
properties.

Solubility
Ionic compounds typically exhibit solubility in polar solvents such as water.
The polar nature of water molecules facilitates the separation and solvation of
ions within the crystal lattice.

Electrical Conductivity
These crystals showcase poor electrical conductivity in their solid state.
However, upon melting, the mobility of ions increases, leading to enhanced
conductivity.

Cleavage
Ionic crystals demonstrate cleavage along specific crystallographic planes,
which is a result of the ordered arrangement of ions and their response to
applied forces.
Covalent Crystals
Formation Example:
Diamond
Covalent crystals form
through the sharing of The prime example is
electrons between atoms, diamond (C), where each
creating a network of carbon atom is covalently
strong, directional bonds. bonded to four others,
forming a rigid
tetrahedral structure.

Properties
Covalent crystals are known for their extreme hardness,
brittleness, and high melting points. Due to the strong
bonds, they are poor conductors of electricity.
Covalent Crystal Properties
Strong Covalent Bonds Semiconducting Properties
Covalent crystals have strong covalent bonds that extend Silicon (Si) is a key example, displaying semiconducting
throughout their network structure. These bonds give properties crucial for electronic devices. Its melting point
them high stability and rigidity. is notably high at 1414 °C.

1 2 3 4

Insolubility Directional Bonding

These crystals are insoluble in most solvents because the Directional bonding greatly influences the mechanical
covalent bonds are too strong to be broken by typical properties, leading to anisotropic behavior that depends
solvation processes. on crystal orientation.
Metallic Crystals
Formation Example: Copper
Metallic crystals form Copper (Cu) exemplifies
through metallic bonding, metallic crystals with its
characterized by a "sea" of high electrical and thermal
delocalized electrons conductivity, owing to the
surrounding positively mobility of its delocalized
charged metal ions. electrons.

Properties
Metallic crystals are known for their malleability and ductility,
allowing them to be easily shaped and drawn into wires.
Metallic Crystal
Properties

Sea of Variable Close-Packed

Electrons Hardness Structures
The "sea of Variable hardness Metals often form
electrons" model and melting points close-packed
explains the depend on the structures like Face-
electrical metal. Iron (Fe), for Centered Cubic
conductivity in example, has a high (FCC), Body-
metals, where tensile strength and Centered Cubic
electrons move a melting point of (BCC), and
freely through the 1538 °C. Hexagonal Close-
lattice. Packed (HCP).
Molecular Crystals
Formation
Molecular crystals are formed through weak intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole
1 interactions, or hydrogen bonds. These forces are significantly weaker than covalent or ionic bonds,
influencing the crystal's overall properties.

Example: Ice
Ice (H₂O) is a classic example of a molecular crystal, where water molecules are held
2 together by hydrogen bonds. The structure of ice is unique, with each water molecule
capable of forming four hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules, creating a
tetrahedral arrangement.

Properties
Molecular crystals typically have low melting points and
hardness due to the weak intermolecular forces that bind them.
3 They are also often soft and easily deformed. Additionally,
molecular crystals usually act as electrical insulators because
the electrons are tightly bound within the molecules and are
not free to move throughout the crystal.
Molecular Crystal Properties

Intermolecular Forces
Molecular crystals are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions,
1 or hydrogen bonds. These forces are considerably weaker than ionic or covalent bonds, resulting in lower melting points
and increased softness.

Solubility
These crystals are often soluble in organic solvents because the intermolecular forces can be easily disrupted
2 by similar forces in the solvent. The solubility depends on the polarity of the solvent and the solute molecules,
with polar solvents dissolving polar molecular crystals and non-polar solvents dissolving non-polar molecular
crystals.

Low Mechanical Strength

Due to weak intermolecular forces, these crystals exhibit low mechanical strength and can be easily
3 deformed or broken. The lack of strong directional bonds contributes to their malleability and
ductility, making them unsuitable for high-stress applications.

Polymorphism
Polymorphism can occur in molecular crystals due to different packing arrangements,
4 leading to variations in crystal properties. Different polymorphs may exhibit distinct
melting points, solubilities, and stabilities, which can be important in pharmaceutical
and materials science applications.
Crystal Structures: A
Concluding Synthesis
In conclusion, we've journeyed through the diverse world of crystal
structures, examining ionic, covalent, metallic, and molecular
crystals. Each type exhibits unique properties stemming from its
distinct bonding mechanisms. Ionic crystals boast strong
electrostatic forces, covalent crystals showcase robust electron
sharing, metallic crystals feature a sea of electrons, and molecular
crystals rely on weak intermolecular forces. These differences
dictate their applications in materials science and engineering,
influencing everything from insulators to semiconductors.
Understanding these structures is paramount for technological
advancements and material innovation.
 GROUP MEMBERS

• SAKSHAM MADAAN(01996202824)
• ABHIT SHAH(02696202824)
• SHAURYA SHARMA(01596202824)
• SARTHAK SHARMA(02596202824)
• UTKARSH PRATAP SINGH(35696202824)
THANK
YOU