Final answer:
Matter can be arranged randomly as amorphous solids or in fixed patterns as crystalline solids, and atoms combine in whole-number ratios to form compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matter can be arranged in several ways, one of which is in a random and disorganized manner known as amorphous. For instance, candle waxes are composed of large hydrocarbon molecules and form amorphous solids. On the contrary, matter can also exhibit a fixed pattern with repeating atomic structures forming crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds often crystallize in such a manner. Silicon dioxide can exist as both crystalline and amorphous solids depending on the conditions of its formation. It's important to note that atoms combine in whole-number ratios to form compounds, and they can also reorganize to form new substances without being created or destroyed.