Missing atoms, extra atoms, or different atom types {crystal defect} alter regular crystal structure.
Crystal defects {dislocation, crystal} can displace unit cells from usual positions. Inserted atoms wedged into lattice can cause dislocations {edge dislocation}. Dislocations {screw dislocation} can be around axis to make helical unit-cell arrangements. Dislocations in crystals affect brittleness, ductility, and other mechanical crystal properties. Alloys lack dislocations and so do not slide, because odd atoms move to lowest free-energy positions.
Crystal ions can move to interstitial places and so leave vacancies {Frenkel defect}.
Different molecules or atoms {impurity}| can be in crystals.
Extra ions {interstitial ion} can be in ionic crystals.
In ionic crystal, cations and anions can be missing {Schottky defect}.
Ions can be missing from ionic crystals {vacancy}|.
5-Chemistry-Inorganic-Phase-Phases-Solid-Crystal
Outline of Knowledge Database Home Page
Description of Outline of Knowledge Database
Date Modified: 2022.0225