Glossary

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crystal
A solidA state of matter having a specific shape and volume and in which the particles do not readily change their relative positions. with a regular polyhedral shape; for example, in sodium chloride (table saltAn ionic compound that can be formed by replacing the hydrogen ion of an acid with a different cation.) the crystalA solid with a regular polyhedral shape; for example, in sodium chloride (table salt) the crystal faces are all at 90° angles. A solid in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in a regular, repeating lattice structure. faces are all at 90° angles. A solid in which the atomsThe smallest particle of an element that can be involved in chemical combination with another element; an atom consists of protons and neutrons in a tiny, very dense nucleus, surrounded by electrons, which occupy most of its volume., molecules, or ions are arranged in a regular, repeating latticeThe points in space that define the ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystal. structure.