What is Solids: Definition and 313 Discussions

Solid is one of the four fundamental states of matter (the others being liquid, gas and plasma). The molecules in a solid are closely packed together and contain the least amount of kinetic energy. A solid is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to a force applied to the surface. Unlike a liquid, a solid object does not flow to take on the shape of its container, nor does it expand to fill the entire available volume like a gas. The atoms in a solid are bound to each other, either in a regular geometric lattice (crystalline solids, which include metals and ordinary ice), or irregularly (an amorphous solid such as common window glass). Solids cannot be compressed with little pressure whereas gases can be compressed with little pressure because the molecules in a gas are loosely packed.
The branch of physics that deals with solids is called solid-state physics, and is the main branch of condensed matter physics (which also includes liquids). Materials science is primarily concerned with the physical and chemical properties of solids. Solid-state chemistry is especially concerned with the synthesis of novel materials, as well as the science of identification and chemical composition.

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  1. M

    Volume of solids of revolutions. (Integral problem)

    Homework Statement A function is given at y = \sqrt{x-x^2} Find the volume of the solid of the revolution around the x axis. Not sure if this is the correct translation, but find the volume when you revolve the function around the x axis. The object in question is a sphere. What does the...
  2. B

    Why do heated solids emit radiation as a continuum?

    Looking for a quantum-based explanation as to why solids, when heated, emit radiation as a continuum, rather than discretely. Gas will emit discrete spectral lines when heated. Somone already suggested to me that there may be many random purtubations to the discrete energy levels in a heated...
  3. F

    Pin-jointed structure - Mechanics of Solids

    Homework Statement "A force F of magnitude 90 kN is applied at point C at an angle of 45°. The pin-joint B may be assumed to be resting on frictionless rollers. Determine the reaction forces at A and B" Image of the diagram here: http://i.imgur.com/jUL0rJe.jpg?1 Homework Equations two...
  4. N

    Does amorphous solids support phonons or nomal modes of vibration.?

    Does amorphous solids support phonons or nomal modes of vibration.?? Can we apply the concept of phonons and Debye Model in case of amorphous and poly-crystalline solids?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debye_model The links I have attached above...
  5. paulmdrdo1

    MHB Integration application: solids of revolution

    need some help here. 1. find the volume (by washer method) of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by $y=3+x^2$ and the line $y=4$ about the x-axis. 2. write the integral that will give the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by $y=e^{2x}$, $x=-1$ and...
  6. A

    Understanding energy bands in solids

    For an electron in a periodic potential the Schrödinger equation has solutions for which there are large gaps in the energy. This is used to explain properties relating to the electric conduction in solids. In my book the formation of energy bands is explained using the Bragg diffraction in a...
  7. C

    Wanted High density Liquid For suspension of Solids

    Hello I want to suspend, or really have the sinking effect be slow, different kinds of rocks/ gem stones in a jar. So i don't really know where to start. I want something easy to get, clear, not toxic. I'm going to start with something like corn sryup and see what it looks like. But if anyone...
  8. MarkFL

    MHB HelloWorld's questions at Yahoo Questions invovling solids of revolution

    Here are the questions: I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
  9. D

    How Is Entropy Calculated in Different Macrostates of Einstein Solids?

    This is the problem: Consider a system of two Einstein solids, with NA = 300, NB = 200, and qtotal = 100. Compute the entropy of the most likely macrostate and of the least likely macro state. I only have a doubt. Is the most likely macro state when each solid has half the energy (in this...
  10. fluidistic

    Volume vs pressure in solids

    I wonder what happens when one compresses a solid, let's say iron. In thermodynamics state functions are all smooth and differentiable, in other words V(P,T) would have no discontinuity. Let's assume that we have an iron phase alpha at room temperature and pressure. We compress the rod up to...
  11. K

    Calc 2 solids of revolution help

    A solid lies between planes perpendicular to the x-axis at x=-a and x=a for values of a>0 to be given below in parts (i) and (ii). In each case the cross-sections perpendicular to the x-axis between these planes run from the semicircle y=√(a^2-x^2) to the semicircle y=-√(a^2-x^2). If...
  12. MarkFL

    MHB Cfm4life's questions at Yahoo Answers regarding surface areas of solids

    Here are the questions: I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
  13. A

    Characteristic X-Rays and Energy Bands in Solids

    Hi there, I'm an instructor teaching a Physics course for Radiography students designed for students with little to no Physics background. In prepping the course, I've come up with a couple of questions that are bothering me and hope someone here can be of assistance. My questions pertain to...
  14. C

    Calculation of Electric Susceptibility In Solids.

    I'm curious what models there are for calculating the Electric Susceptibility in crystalline solids and any books that describe maxwell equations in solids well. I'm interested in how to predict index of refraction of materials and the texts are a bit above my head as I haven't really dealt with...
  15. W

    Thermal Expansions of Solids

    1.A brass ring of diameter 10.00 cm at 20.0°C is heated and slipped over an aluminum rod of diameter 10.01 cm at 20.0°C. Assuming the average coefficients of linear expansion are constant, (a) to what temperature must this combination be cooled to separate them? Is this attainable? (b) What if...
  16. A

    Can mass spectrometry work on liquids and solids?

    I am researching mass spectrometry for my school assignment and I seem to be getting contradictory answers. Some websites say that the sample used in mass spectrometry is definitely vaporized before use but other websites state that it can work on liquids e.g. in liquid chromatography/ mass...
  17. MarkFL

    MHB Sunshine's questions at Yahoo Answers regarding solids of revolution

    Here are the questions: I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
  18. E

    Volumes of Solids with Known Cross Section Project

    I'm trying to get started on this project but am totally confused about how to find the volume of the solid. All the information I was given was the following: y= √x boundaries: 0,9 cross sections: isosceles right triangle how the hell do I get started?!
  19. T

    Ionizing solids- effects and materials

    Greetings. I want to experiment with the effects of macroscopic ionized solids. But first, let's have a little 'thought experiment'! If I have say, a gram of elemental copper, surrounded by ultra-pure water and it's put into a device which is capable of filling all of the valence...
  20. J

    Reflecting About A Line- Solids

    Homework Statement Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the graphs of y= x^2 - 4x + 5 and y= 5- x about the line y= -1 Homework Equations That is what I'm trying to figure out here, which one of the methods to use. The Attempt at a Solution...
  21. MarkFL

    MHB Joey e's questions at Yahoo Answers regarding solids of revolution

    Here is the question: Here is a link to the questions: Calculus Disc/washer/shell method.? - Yahoo! Answers I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can find my response.
  22. L

    Finding the Volume of a Whisky Glass: Which Method Results in More Whisky?

    Homework Statement The region R shown in Fig. 1 is bounded by the line y=8(x-2), the axes, and the line y=h. Find by integration the volume formed when R is rotated through 360° about the y axis(see Fig. 2) A whisky glass has the shape indicated in Fig 2 where the units are centimetres...
  23. R

    Use - disks, washers or shells? integrate volume of revolving solids

  24. N

    What Does 'Moment About a Plane' Mean in the Context of Solids?

    http://www.math24.net/physical-applications-of-triple-integrals.html "The static moments of the solid about the coordinate planes Oxy, Oyz, Oxz are given by the formulas" What exactly does that mean? I understand what a moment about an axis is, but about a plane? what? Do they mean moment...
  25. L

    Solids of revolution question

    Homework Statement Find the volumes of the solids generated a) x-3y+3= 0, x=0 , y=2 about the x axis I sketched the graph got a straight line, I then proceeded to integrate y2 ∏∫y2δx =[(x^3/27)+(x^2/3)+ (x)] from x=3 to x=-3 I got 8∏ but the answer is 5∏ b) x-y2-1=0, x=2...
  26. L

    Finding Volume of Solid of Revolution around Y-Axis

    Homework Statement Find the volume of the solid generated by rotating about the y-axis y= 1-x3 x=0 , y=0 I tried sketching the graph of y= 1-x^3 then tried to find the volume from y=1 to y=0. if x^3 = 1-y x= (1-y)1/3 so x2= (1-y)2/3 ∏∫x2δy => ∏∫(1-y)2/3.dy = ∏[ -3/5(1-y)^(5/3)] I did that...
  27. phosgene

    Improper integrals and solids of revolution

    Homework Statement Let n>1/2 and consider the function f(x)=x^{-n} for x\in[1,∞) Calculate the volume of the solid generated by rorating f(x) about the x-axis, showing all details of your working. Homework Equations Since it is rotated about the x-axis, its axis of symmetry is...
  28. Saxby

    The specific heat capacity of solids

    Why is the specific heat capacity of most solids around 25JK-1mol-1? I remember being told ages ago that is was something to do with the theory of equipartition but I'm not really sure how that theory affects it or why it's around 25JK-1mol-1
  29. T

    Solids of Revolution around y = x

    Is it possible to revolve a function around y = x? If so how would you do it? I suppose the main difficulty is in finding the radius for the area of a disk or cylinder. Is there any method that works will all or most functions?
  30. PhizKid

    Solids of revolution volume

    Homework Statement Volume of the region bounded by y = x^2 and x = y^2 about y = 1 Homework Equations \pi r^2 The Attempt at a Solution So the functions look something like this: I decided to use method of washers with respect to x. The radius if the center is at y = 1 of...
  31. Y

    Most probable macrostates of two Einstein solids

    Homework Statement Consider two Einstein solid A and B with N_{A} = 200 and N_{B} = 100. Suppose now that the oscillations of solids A and B are different. The energies of oscillators in solid A are measured in units of ε_{A}, so that the energy of solid A is U_{A} = q_{A} ε_{A}. Likewise...
  32. S

    Solid of solids, pretty sure I got the wrong answer, not sure what I did wrong.

    The file is a PDF, but here is an imgur link, anyone?
  33. S

    Thermal Properties of Solids and Gases Problem

    At a local county fair, you watch as blacksmith drops a 0.050-kg iron horseshoe into a bucket containing 25.0 kg of water. If the initial temperature of the horseshoe is 450°C, and the initial temperature of the water is 23°C, what is the equilibrium temperature of the system? Here is...
  34. V

    Ionic Core Distance: Explaining the Significance

    Given two ionic cores, i and j, can someone please explain what it is that's happening as the distance between them decreases? What is its significance?
  35. O

    Primitive methods to make simple geometrical solids

    Hi guys. I am old person but not very old. I have a qustion that is very important for me to be answered. How can you cut simple geometrical shapes from a irregular solid using simple methods only? By simple geometrical shapes I mean cuboid, cylinder, pyramid and sphere. stuff like that. You are...
  36. D

    The model of electric flux in solids

    hi there! I have a bit stupid question: Imagine a solid metal cylinder. We put a . Explain to me please the exact model of the direct current electric flux of the particles. Is there a "skin effect" when a direct current is in action ?
  37. S

    Why solids aren't organized in simple cubic (SC) and Simple Hexagonal(SH) ?

    My book mentioned that SC and SH are both "Theoretical arrangement" for crystal lattices, and later posed the question "Why it doesn't happen?", however it never provided an answer. Well, I can 'sort of' (very non-scientifically, mind you) imagine why, three stacked layers of spheres(atoms)...
  38. B

    States of matter; liquids and solids

    Water at 0°C was placed in a dish inside a vessel maintained at low pressure by a vacuum pump. After a quantiti of water had evaporated, the remainder froze. If 9.31 g of ice at 0°C was obtained, how much liquid water must have evaporated? The heat of fusion of water is 6.01 kJ/mol and its heat...
  39. J

    MHB Find Volume of Wine Glass on Side with Solids of Revolution

    Apparently when a "snifter" glass is placed on it's side and filled up to the tip, this volume is the optimum amount that should be poured to make a shot. Hence i have put a glass on an axis and modeled an equation for the top half of the glass... f(x)=...
  40. J

    Volumes of Solids of Revolutions Help

    Homework Statement Find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region bounded by the given curves about the specified line. Sketch the region, the solid, and a typical disk or washer. y=x, y=0, x=2, x=4; about x=1 The Attempt at a Solution one of the radii is x=y but I am...
  41. N

    Calculating Vapor Pressure of Water with Desolved Solids

    Hi I'm currently writing a some software for calculating the effects of differant grades of water on Centrifical Pump Purformance i have be able to calculate all the apropiate Pressures, flows, viscositys, density, and pressure loss effects on the pump purformance where I'm having trouble is...
  42. H

    Forbidden Electron Energies in Band Theory of Solids

    In band theory of solids, when an electron's wave vector lies at the first brillouin zone border, it satisfies the bragg condition and there is some forbidden region for that wave vector. I like to know what happens for such these electrons that they can not have some energies in the forbidden...
  43. 1

    Material science: Imperfections in solids

    Determine the number of vacancies per cm^3 needed for a BCC iron crystal to have a density of 7.87 g/cm^3. The lattice parameter of the iron is 2.866x10^-8 cm and the atomic weight of the iron is 55.847 g/mol. Given: Avogradro's number, N=6.022x10^23 atoms/mol Help please? i have no idea how...
  44. S

    Is there a Young-Laplace equation for solids and gases?

    I was wondering, is there any equation -like young laplace equation - that relates the pressure difference to the shape of the surface on elastic solids? (interfase: solid - gas)
  45. K

    Newtons law of cooling vs conduction equation in solids

    I know that Newtons law of cooling is useful when a solid is transferring heat to a fluid. And conduction equation is used in solids. My question is: 1) Can Newtons law of cooling be applied in case of solids (apart from Heat conduction equation)? 2) Can Newtons law of cooling be applied in...
  46. S

    Can quantum tunneling in solids generate useful energy when heated?

    Imagine we have material with very low heat conductivity in which metal nanoparticles are embedded and distance between each those nanoparticles is 1 nm.When we heat one side of such material,will electrons tunnel to the colder side?Is it possible some usefull energy generate in this way?
  47. E

    Extensive Solubility in Solids (as in not intensive)

    I am trying to understand the concept of extensive solubility. Generally, solubility is supposed to be an intensive property because it is a material property independent of size, quantity, length, etc. I am having trouble finding a definition for extensive solubility though. So far, I have...
  48. S

    How does heat transfer occur in different materials?

    I learned that solids conduct heat by vibrating and thus transferring the energy from one particle to another particle. However, my teacher gave us a question: two metal rods of different material are placed in a fire. one of them turns red hot at the end while the other remains silver coloured...
  49. I

    Molar heat capacity in metals and ionic solids

    I am doing my revision and noticed that metals all have a molar heat capacity ~25 J/mol/K = 3R. Ionic solids such as NaCl and CaF2 however have different molar heat capacities. (~51 and 72 respectively) Why is this? there is no explination that my lecturer gave and I can't find it online but...
  50. P

    Volume of solids rotating about two axises

    Homework Statement Find the volumes of the solids revolution obtained by rotating the region about the x-axis and the y-axis. y=2x-x^2, y=0 The Attempt at a Solution I know how to get the volume of a function that is rotating around one axis, but the "y=0" is confusing me. Because...
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