Minerals have an ordered internal atomic arrangement. What does this mean?
A) Atoms in a mineral are arranged in an ordered geometric pattern.
B) Atoms in a mineral are arranged in a random fashion.
C) Atoms in a mineral must be in the shape of either a cube, a tetrahedron, or an octahedron.
D) Atoms in a mineral must all be of the same type of element.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Minerals are defined by their crystalline structure, meaning their atoms are arranged in a specific, repeating geometric pattern. This ordered arrangement is what distinguishes minerals from amorphous substances, where atoms are not organized in any particular order. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe the atomic arrangement in minerals.

Minerals Have an Ordered Internal Atomic Arrangement