Isotropic solid
An isotropic solid is a solid material in which physical properties do not depend on
its orientation. It is an example of isotropy which can also apply to fluids,
or other non-
material concepts.
The properties could be felt or seen such as
the index of refraction or mechanical.
For example an isotropic solid will
expand equally in all directions when heated.
Heat will conduct equally well in any
direction, and sound will pass at the same speed.
The physics of these solids
are much easier to describe.
Some examples are glass with random arrangements
that average out to uniform, or the cubic crystal system.
The opposite is
anisotropic solids. Most crystal structures are actually anisotropic.
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