Introduction to Solids

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Introduction to Solids

This lesson aligns with NGSS PS1.A

Overview

Solids, as the name suggests, do not flow to take the shape of container-like liquids nor expand to fill up the entire available volume like a gas. They are structurally rigid or stiff substances and show resistance when any force is applied to them. Solids comprise one of the four basic states of matter, alongside liquids, gasses, and plasmas. The branch of science which deals with solids is known as solid-state physics. The atoms in solids are bound together with the help of specific interactions. However, in this article, you will study the history, structure, and properties of solids. And also you will get to know about its application in the modern world.

What is Solid State Physics?

Solid-state physics is the branch of science that investigates the physical properties of solids that can retain their shape and volume, like metals, insulators, and semiconductors. In solids, atoms are bound to each other in a three-dimensional structure, which helps to maintain the shape either in a regular like crystalline or irregular form like amorphous (e.g., glass window). The kinetic energy in a solid is less than other matters like gas and liquids because of the slightest movement of atoms as they are closely packed. So, solids cannot be compressed like gas or liquids.

The study of solid-state Physics focuses on how an object's atomic properties can be helpful to get benefits on a large scale. However, solid-state physics is the theoretical foundation of Material sciences, the field in which scientists research and discover materials. Also, solid-state Physics has direct use in transistor and semiconductor technology in addition to solid-state chemistry.

Discovery of Solid State Physics

In 1940, a new physics study emerged with the help of the American Physical Society, which established a branch called the Division of Solid State Physics DSSP. After WWII, several physicists appeared from England, the US, and Germany. They became a prominent face in the field of solid Physics by doing investigations into semiconductor superconductivity, nuclear resonance, and other phenomena.

The study of the dimensional structure of atoms in solids was made possible by Max Von Laue's discovery of X-ray diffraction and two other scientists, William Henry and William Lawrence Bragg's crystallographic experiments.

Max Plank, Niel Bohr, and Warner Heisenberg laid the foundation of quantum mechanics, which provided a theoretical Framework for understanding the electronic nature of solids. This nature of solids is now helping humankind in various ways.

Structure Of Solids

The structure of Solids is made up of arrangements of atoms, molecules, or ions, which make their structure either crystalline or other form.

Crystals

Materials in which their atoms are arranged in a regular and repeating structure are known as crystals. Each Diamond is an example of a single crystal in which the unbroken order of atoms continues over a large scale. Another large solid that can be seen and handled is composed of many single crystals known as crystallites or polycrystalline, whose sizes vary from nanometers to several meters. Examples of such polycrystalline are all common metals and ceramics.

Amorphous Solids

A solid that lacks the long range of order is known as an amorphous or non-crystalline solid. Glass and polystyrene are two examples.

Properties of solids

As we know, solid materials are formed due to densely packed atoms with strong interaction, so such phenomena produce multiple properties within that material like mechanical, Electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties.

Solids have energy bands that characterize their electronic structure. The differentiation of these materials is based on the energy gap between these bands. The valence band contains electrons tightly bound to atoms, while the conduction band holes electrons that are free to move. The free electrons determine the material, either insulator, semiconductor, or conductor.

Solid State Physics also discusses the magnetism and thermal properties of materials, which are widely used in making materials with the behavior of magnetic domains and thermal properties for designing materials used in thermoelectric devices.

Application of Solid-State Physics

Solid-state physics has a range of profound benefits in the modern world.

Electronics

Solid-state physics has revolutionized electronics because of the comprehensive use of semiconductors like transistors and integrated circuits in developing faster, more efficient, and smaller electronic devices.

Data Storage

In the field of storage technology, solid-state physics plays a crucial role, especially in flash drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).

Solar Panels

Solids have played a vital role in the making of renewable energy, as the study of semiconductors has led to the innovation of solar cells and photovoltaic Technology.

Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles provide a high surface area, offering maximum space for absorbing radiation. The property of nanoparticles leads to the development of nanotechnology. This property makes them extremely attractive for specific applications in the field of energy.

Optoelectronics

After electronics is the study of applications of light emitting or light detecting devices, in the development of laser, LED, and optical fiber devices, Solid state physics has an integral role.

Medical Imaging

Medical imaging technology heavily depends on solid state physics as the detectors and sensors used in X-ray machines, positron. Emission tomography PET scanner and magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are solid materials.

Summary

Solids are rigid materials and one of the four basic states of matter.
The study of solids in physics deals with the rigid matter or solid is known as Solid State Physics.
The study of Solid state physics is possible through the methods known as quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism and metallurgy.
Crystals and amorphous solids are the two examples of regular and irregular patterns of solid atom arrangement.
Solid-state physics has a profound impact on the modern world. Like in the fields of electronics, nanotechnology, and medical imaging.

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