Which term describes a non-crystalline structure that does not follow an organized lattice arrangement?

The term that describes a non-crystalline structure lacking an organized lattice arrangement is "amorphous structure." Unlike crystalline structures, which have their atoms arranged in a highly ordered and repeating pattern, amorphous structures are characterized by a random arrangement of atoms or molecules. This randomness gives them unique physical properties, such as isotropy, meaning their properties are the same in all directions.

Amorphous materials can be found in substances like glass and certain polymers, which do not crystallize as they solidify. This non-crystalline nature often results in different mechanical, thermal, and optical characteristics compared to their crystalline counterparts.

In contrast, crystalline structures have a definitive geometric arrangement, polymeric structures primarily relate to long chains of molecules that might be crystalline or amorphous, and metalloid structures pertain to elements that have properties of both metals and non-metals. Understanding these distinctions reinforces why "amorphous structure" is the accurate term for a non-crystalline arrangement.