Question

Thermodynamically stable defects are?

• A. Point defects
• B. Line defects
• C. Surface defects
• D. Volume defects

Hint:

In materials science, the stability of defects is critical to understanding the material's properties. Point defects} are particularly important for phenomena like diffusion and electrical conductivity, as they can move within the crystal lattice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In materials science, defects are irregularities or imperfections in the crystal structure of materials. Defects can be categorized into various types based on their dimensions: point defects, line defects, surface defects, and volume defects.
Point defects are thermodynamically stable defects. These defects occur at specific points within the crystal lattice and include vacancies (missing atoms), interstitials (extra atoms), and substitutions (atoms that replace others). Point defects are typically more stable because they cause minimal disruption to the overall structure and are easier to form at lower temperatures. They are also important in processes such as diffusion and electrical conductivity in materials.
Other types of defects:
- Line defects (dislocations) are one-dimensional defects and play a crucial role in the plastic deformation of materials.
- Surface defects refer to irregularities at the surface of a material, such as grain boundaries. These are also important but are not considered thermodynamically stable in the same way as point defects.
- Volume defects are three-dimensional defects that involve large-scale irregularities in the material structure, such as voids or cracks. These tend to be unstable and cause mechanical weakness in the material.
Therefore, the correct answer is point defects, as they are the most stable form of defects at the atomic level.