Liquid crystals were first discovered in the 1890s when observing cholesterol, they flow like liquids but have a repeating crystalline pattern and two melting points. There are three main types of liquid crystals - thermotropic which are the most common and flow like liquids, useful in displays; lyotropic which use a solvent and contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts; and metallotropic which are similar to lyotropic but contain metals affecting melting points. Liquid crystals find applications in electronic displays like televisions, watches, phones and more through liquid crystal displays, as well as in soap, conducting foams and observing cholesterol.

1. Liquid Crystals

2. OverviewFirst Discovered in 1890s while observing cholesterolFlow like liquids, but have a repeating crystalline patternHave 2 melting pointsReflect polarized light

3. 3 Different TypesDepends on Temperature and PressureLiquid Crystals only form under specific conditions

4. ThermotropicThe most common typeFlow like liquidsUseful in liquid crystal displays (iphones)

5. LyotropicSolvent provides fluidityContains phospholipidsContains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts

6. MetalloropicIs essentially lyotropic, but with metals causing different melting points

7. Real World ApplicationsLiquid crystal displays are in:Television screens (LCD display stands for liquid crystal display)Watch displaysCell phonesAlmost anything electronic with a screen.

8. More applicationsSoapConducting foamsCholesterol