Explanation:
An amorphous material is a solid material that lacks a crystalline structure. Unlike crystalline materials, amorphous materials do not have a regular arrangement of atoms. Instead, the atoms or molecules in amorphous materials are arranged in a disordered or random manner. Glass is a classic example of an amorphous material.

Properties of Amorphous Materials:
Amorphous materials have several distinctive properties that differentiate them from crystalline materials:

1. Lack of Long-Range Order: Amorphous materials lack long-range order, meaning that there is no repeating pattern of atomic arrangement throughout the material.

2. Isotropic Properties: Amorphous materials exhibit isotropic properties, which means that their properties are the same in all directions. In contrast, crystalline materials often have anisotropic properties, where their properties vary with direction.

3. Glass Transition: Amorphous materials undergo a glass transition when they are heated. This is a gradual transition from a rigid, brittle state to a more flexible, rubbery state. Above the glass transition temperature, the amorphous material behaves more like a liquid.

4. Transparency: Many amorphous materials, such as glass, are transparent to visible light. This is because their disordered atomic arrangements do not interfere significantly with the transmission of light.

5. Lack of Cleavage: Amorphous materials do not exhibit cleavage, which is the tendency of crystalline materials to break along distinct planes of weakness. Instead, amorphous materials fracture in a more random manner.

6. Higher Chemical Reactivity: Amorphous materials tend to have higher chemical reactivity compared to crystalline materials. This is because their disordered atomic arrangements provide more opportunities for chemical reactions to occur.

Why is Glass an Amorphous Material?
Glass is made by cooling molten materials such as silica (SiO2) rapidly, preventing the formation of a crystalline structure. The rapid cooling process does not allow enough time for the atoms to arrange themselves in a regular pattern. As a result, the atoms in glass are locked into a disordered arrangement, giving it the characteristic amorphous structure.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, glass is an example of an amorphous material due to its lack of long-range order, isotropic properties, glass transition behavior, transparency, lack of cleavage, and higher chemical reactivity. Understanding the properties of amorphous materials is important in various fields such as materials science, engineering, and manufacturing.