Question

Most crystals show cleavage because their atoms, ions or molecules are

• A. weakly bonded together
• B. strongly bonded together
• C. spherically symmetrical
• D. arranged in planes

Hint:

Cleavage occurs because crystals have ordered planes of atoms/ions and they tend to split along planes of weaker bonding.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Meaning of cleavage.
Cleavage means a crystal breaks along certain definite directions producing smooth surfaces.
Step 2: Reason behind cleavage.
In crystals, atoms/ions are arranged in regular layers (planes).
Some planes have weaker bonding compared to others.
So when force is applied, crystal splits along these planes.
Step 3: Hence correct option.
Cleavage is due to planar arrangement of particles in crystal lattice.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{arranged in planes}} \]