12.105P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Distinguish between isotropic and anisotropic substances. To which category do liquid crystals belong?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Liquid crystal flows like a liquid and has crystalline structure.

Step 1:Definition

Liquid crystal is the state of matter having properties between crystalline solid and liquid.

 

Depending upon the structure, direction, chemical bonding etc we can easily differentiate the material.

CHARACTERISTICS	ISOTROPIC	ANISOTROPIC
LATTICE STRUCTURE	No regular	Regular
DIRECTION	Independent	Dependent
CHEMICAL BONDING	Consistent	Uncertain
REFRACTIVE INDEX	Only one	More than one
USES	Lenses	Polarizers
EXAMPLE	Glass	Wood

Step 2: Conclusion

Liquid crystal belongs to the anisotropic substance because its alignment depends upon direction.