A seed crystal is a small piece of crystal used to initiate the crystallization process in a supersaturated solution. It serves as a template for the orderly arrangement of molecules, facilitating the growth of larger crystals with the same structure.

Seed Crystal

Crystallization Process

A supersaturated solution contains more solute than is usually soluble at a given temperature, resulting in an unstable state where the excess solute can rapidly crystallize if disturbed. This delicate balance requires specific conditions and is often used in industrial applications to produce pure crystals or in scientific experiments exploring crystallization dynamics.

Supersaturated Solution

Orderly arrangement of molecules

Growth of larger crystals

Crystal structure refers to the orderly, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline material, which determines many of its physical properties. Understanding crystal structures is crucial for fields like materials science, chemistry, and physics, as it helps predict how materials will behave under different conditions.

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