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. Telemachus

    Solving Solids of Revolution: Cylinder vs Function of Y

    Homework Statement Hi, well, I don't have to solve any problem yet. I have an inquietude about solids of revolution. I've been reading this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_of_revolution and this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_integration What I wanted to know is if its the same this...
  2. Y

    Max Hole Size for Concrete Pier w/ 2000 People on Top

    1. Concrete pier with dimensions of 50' wide 100' tall and 5 feet deep. There are 2000 people standing on top each 200 pounds. Two holes are bore through the concrete one center 25 feet from the top the other 25 feet from the bottom, and it is on the side that is 50 feet wide right in the...
  3. J

    Greek classical elements, plato, his five solids

    Statement: The ancient Greek philosopher Plato theorized that the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#Classical_elements_in_Greece". I'm not a philosophy or science student, so please keep your reply plain and straightforward. Thanks. I can understand the literal meaning of the...
  4. E

    Volume of Solids of Revolution

    Find the volume of the solid st, 1. y=cos x , y= 0 in [0,pi] ; Rotated around x=1 2. I am slightly confused, I see that the area will double around twice so I can just use the left half of the curve. I am just not sure how to do so.
  5. Kawakaze

    Why some solids are electrical conductors

    Homework Statement Describe what influence the periodic structure of a crystalline solid has on the energy distribution of the free electrons, and hence explain, in general terms, why some solids are electrical conductors and some are insulators. Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  6. S

    Mechanics of solids question from my mid semester exam

    Homework Statement A small dam of triangular shape as shown is made from concrete. Find the stresses on the foundation at A and B. Assume concrete and water weighs 25kN/m^3 and 10kN/m^3 (All dimensions in the attached picture are in metres) Homework Equations sigma = force/cross...
  7. H

    Solids and Fluids: Siphoning Gas

    Homework Statement A siphon tube is filled with gasoline and closed at each end. One end is inserted into a gasoline tank 0.20 m below the surface of the gasoline. The outlet is placed outside the tank at a distance 0.50 m below the surface of the gasoline. The tube has an inner...
  8. S

    Stuck with a problem on linear thermal expansion of solids

    stuck with a problem...on linear thermal expansion of solids Homework Statement I just read a problem 2day...it's on linear thermal expansion of soild...can anyone guide me through...it says..." A sqaure ABCD is made with two different metals...the coefficient of thermal expansion of the...
  9. H

    How long does it take to pour 4 liters of SAE no. 10 oil through a funnel?

    Homework Statement SAE no. 10 oil has a viscosity of 0.2 Pa· s. How long (in sec) would it take to pour 4 liters of oil through a funnel with a neck 10 cm long and 2.9 cm in diameter. Assume that it is poured in such a way that the oil level is kept just above the top of the tube. Hint...
  10. L

    Solving Young Modulus of Metal: Density, Length, Hammer Pulse Time

    Homework Statement A metal rod of length 1.0 m is hit with a hammer at one end. It takes 5.5x10^-4 s for the compression pulse generated to travel to the other end and reflected back to the end hit by the hammer. Find the Young Modulus of the metal. (Given: density of the metal = 9.0x10^3 kg...
  11. S

    Why don't solids fuse spontaneously?

    Suppose I have single crystal of Quartz, and I break it in half. It took energy to break the crystalline bonds of the crystal. Now, I take my 2 crystals, and fit them together along the break line, so that they are flush with each other. Why should the 2 crystals not spontaneously conjoin...
  12. K

    Volumes of solids of revolution

    Homework Statement A circle with a radius of (a/2) is bored through the centre of a sphere of radius a. Find the volume of the remaining solid. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've been trying this for an hour now and I've been trying to find the remaining volume by...
  13. James889

    Calculating Area of Solids of Revolution

    Hi, I have the area D(x,y): \sqrt{x}e^{x^2}\leq y \leq 3,~~ 0\leq x \leq 1 That is rotated about the x axis, and i need to calculate the area \pi \int_0^1 3^2-y^2 = \pi \int_0^1 9-xe^{2x^2} \frac{-9\pi}{4}\cdot (e^{2x^2}-1)\bigg|_0^1 But this is all wrong, why?
  14. James889

    Solids of revolution, y axis

    Hi, The area e^x-1 Is rotated about the y axis, bounded by y=1, x=0 and x=ln2 find the volume of the solid. And i am clearly making something wrong, so if anyone could verify my work. ~ 2\pi\int_0^{ln2}x\cdot(1-(e^x-1) -2\pi\int_0^{ln2}xe^x-2x Integration: u=x, du=1 dv=e^x, v=e^x...
  15. F

    Volume of Solids with Known Cross Sections (Calculus AB)

    Can anyone help me with this calculus problem? I have tried it a couple of different ways, but keep getting various incorrect answers; I think my problem is probably in the setup. I am trying to find the volume of the solid created by revolving the area bounded by these two equations y = 6 -...
  16. J

    Solids and Structures - Vector question

    Homework Statement The rope BC exerts an 800 N force F on the bar AB at B. Determine the vector components of F parallel to the bar. Homework Equations I already know how to complete dot product (e.g. a.b), cross product (e.g. axb) and understand the basic principles of these...
  17. T

    Help on properties of solids such as ductility and malleability

    I simply do not understand what the young modulus is. Help on properties of solids such as ductility and malleability would help!
  18. N

    Opinion? Solids of Revolution/Integration Techniques

    Homework Statement Hey everyone. In my calc course I need to create (or find on the web) a problem and apply the below two concepts that I learned in the class. Concepts: Solids of Revolution. Integration Techniques: Parts, Substitution, or Partial Fractions. Homework Equations The problem...
  19. S

    The effects of a solids dimensions on sound waves?

    I've been thinking, what sort of effects would changing the dimensions of a solid, (lets say a block of wood, or plank.) have on the sound waves passing through it. For example, let's say I take a block of wood, and reduce the mass and surface area (I.E cutting the ends off a plank)? or cut...
  20. S

    Vapor vs Gas, both containing solids

    I'm currently having a discussion with a guy that absolutely says that vapor and gas are the same thing, and they both contain solids, and that's how we see them. I suggested maybe the evaporated vapor that comes off gasoline as you pour it wouldn't have any solids in it, to which he said I'm...
  21. P

    How to lower melting point of solids (TiO2)?

    Hi, I'm currently doing experiments on a 99.9% TiO2 source powder. I was wondering if there is anyway to lower the melting point of this solid? If possible, without compromising its purity. I only have access to an electrical furnace that is capable of reaching a maximum of 1200 degC...
  22. K

    Sketching Solids: Overcome Inequalities & Cosecant

    I always have trouble sketching regions and solids. For example, if one solid described by the inequialities (in spherical coordinates) where ρ <=2, and ρ <= csc(φ) I don't get how to interpret the cosecant part. Thanks.
  23. N

    What factors affect the thermal conductivity of solids?

    Hi all Am I correct to say that - in general - the thermal conductivity of metals is higher than that of semiconductors, because metals have more free electrons to help conduct the heat? And is it correct that phonon-contribution to heat conductivy is more or less the same for all solids...
  24. M

    Mechanical properties of solids questions

    Homework Statement Intermolecular forces are 1- Attractive only 2-Repulsive only 3-Long-range 4-Short-range Homework Equations The 1st and 2nd options are not valid as the nature depends on the distance between the molecules. The Attempt at a Solution The answer given is...
  25. C

    Center of mass of two metal solids.

    Homework Statement Figure 7-29 shows a composite slab with dimensions 22.0 cm multiplied by 13.0 cm multiplied by 2.8 cm. Half of the slab is made of aluminum (density = 2.70 g/cm3) and half of iron (density = 7.85 g/cm3), as shown. How far from the line joining the two metals is the center...
  26. P

    High Temperaure Plasma's behavior with other solids and liquids a Room Temp

    Recently, I came across some who suggested that a plasma between half the temperature of the sun (2889 K) and the temperature of the sun (5,778) would have the same burn patterns as lava. I felt skeptical about this for two reasons Lava's viscosity affects how it behaves. I did not think...
  27. M

    Band Theory of Solids: Basic Concepts Explained

    I am reading the Band Theory of solids.Now, my question is on the basic concepts: {1}When energy is given to a solid, the electrons bound to the respective atoms move from the valence band to the conduction band and hence conductivity of material increases. {2}But we know that when we give...
  28. Q

    Why can't light go thru solids?

    With the huge distances between atoms, relative to the size of the atoms, why aren’t photon packets able to travel through most “solids”? Why are those same photon packets able to travel through many liquids?
  29. R

    Was Energy Balance Overlooked When Examining Evaporation from Solids?

    I am curious. Maybe I don't understand something, but many articles I come across perform an energy balance on a solid and on a liquid. **I assume evaporation acts on the remaining liquid and not directly on the substrate. Correct?** They always include heat loss due to evaporation as...
  30. G

    Confused About Van der Waals' & Ionic Solids

    Homework Statement Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think Graphite is a Van der Waals' Solid and, er, salt would be an ionic. But I really don't have much of a clue about what the second part is going on about! Thanks! :)
  31. L

    Explanation of Energy Bands in Solids

    Homework Statement What is the reason for energy bands in solids? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution because of close proximty of atoms
  32. D

    Exploring the Band Model: Optical and Electronic Properties of Solids

    Show how the band model can explain the relationship between the optical and electronic properties of solids? any ideas one were to start looking? lost with this question
  33. A

    Solids Elasticity (Bulk Modulus)

    Homework Statement When the water freezes it expands by about 9.00%. What pressure increase would occur inside your automobile engine block if the water in it froze?(The bulk modulus of ice is 2.00 x 10^9 N/m^2).Homework Equations B=\frac{\Delta P}{\Delta V / V_i} The Attempt at a Solution If...
  34. L

    Why about 1 kJ/kg/K for so many solids?

    Most solid components I need to consider at work have a specific heat of about 1 kJ/kg/K. Why is that so? Any explanation as simple as for perfect gases? Thanks
  35. A

    Using the double integral to find the volume bounded betwee two solids

    Homework Statement Find the volume of the solid T enclosed above by the sphere x^2+ y^2 + z^2 = 2 and below by the parabloid x^2 + y^2 = z Homework Equations The double integral. Possiblly polar coordinates (x = r*cos(theta) y = r*sin(theta)). z = f(x,y) The Attempt at a Solution...
  36. C

    Momentum of the angular inertia of two solids.

    The angular inertia of a rectangular prism. http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/1595403/untitled.JPG.html http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/1595403/untitled.JPG.html (how do i put an image)I don't know any math, besides algebra. I know some physics...
  37. P

    How Does Pressure Affect Seawater Volume and Density in the Mariana Trench?

    Homework Statement The deepest point in any ocean is in the Mariana Trench, which is about 11 km deep, in the Pacific. The pressure at this depth is huge, about 1.13 108 N/m2. (Take the bulk modulus of seawater to be 2.34 109 N/m2) (a) Calculate the change in volume of 1.2 m3 of seawater...
  38. J

    Detection of longitudinal and shear acoustic waves in solids

    I want to be able to differentiate between longitudinal(P) and Shear(S) waves in solids. Using one Acoustic emission (AE) senor placed 2 to 20 cm form a AE source e.g. a stress induced crack or pencil lead test, how can one detect both the P and S waves and determine what part of the receive...
  39. B

    Einstein solids, finding most probable values for equilibrium

    Homework Statement Consider the interation of two einstein solids, A and B. A has NA particles and qA units of energy and B has NB and qB units of energy. find the most probable values of qA and qB when equilibrium is reached. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I set up...
  40. N

    How Do You Calculate the Radii for Washers in Solids of Revolution?

    y=x^2 ; y=4; rotated around x=2 im seeing a washer cross section with r=2-y^(1/2); im unclear on how to get R to calculate the area it seems to be 2r but this produces incorrect results.
  41. B

    Need help with Simple kinetic model for solids, liquids and gases

    My question is: Simple kinetic model for solids, liquids and gases. I searched on google and find these result but I don't know whether it was right. And also I think it is too long to do in an exam. :smile:. Please help me to check it. Thank you. Model for liquid This is the link for the...
  42. B

    Can You Help Me Understand Deformation of Solids in A Level Physics?

    Deformation of solids, please help! The question is: 1/ Show a qualitative knowledge of typical behavior of copper, glass and elestomers. 2/ Quantitative treatment of deformation in one dimension including work done; experimental determination of the Young modulus for a metal in the form of...
  43. G

    What is a Spin Liquid: Exploring the Difference from Spin Solids and Spin Glasses

    What is a spin liquid as opposed to a spin solid or a spin glass? I know that a spin liquid is generally defined by geometric frustration in the electronic spins of that material (i.e. pryochlore structure)...but how is this different from a spin solid? Can it be that the lattice of the...
  44. N

    Ionic solids: enthelpy and entropy

    Hello! If ionic solids are to dissolve, then \Delta H_{solution} has to be negative, (possibly 0? For equilibrium?). This can occur if \Delta H_{hyd} for both the cations and anions is greater than the \Delta H_{LE}. But the textbook also states that a positive \Delta H_{solution} can also...
  45. R

    Mechanics of solids prob. help

    Mechanics of solids prob. help! here is a prob. i have.anybody help. Three beams have the same length, the same allowable stress and the same B.M. The cross section of the beams are a circle, a square, and a rectangle with depth twice the width. weight wise best section in order of merit will...
  46. J

    Expansion of Solids due to increases in Temperature

    I was given a question about a certain material. The idea was that when it was heated from zero degrees C to 200 degrees C, it would be 10.06 mm from its original length of 10. Doing it in reverse order, length of 10.06 mm from 200 C to 0 C gave me an answer of 9.99964, which is less than the...
  47. D

    Einstein model of solids, energy in joules of one quantum

    Homework Statement the stiffness of the interatomic "spring" (chemical bond) between atoms in a block of lead is 5 N/m. Since in our model each atom is connected to two springs, each half the length of the interatomic bond, the effective "interatomic spring stiffness" for an oscillator is 4*5...
  48. M

    Diffusion in solids online resources

    Does anyone know of any good Diffusion (ie. Fick's laws, interstitial jumps, etc) online resources? Thanks!
  49. A

    Free energy of solids & Einstein crystal

    Dear all, I'm coding the calculation of the free energy of an SiO2 crystal structure Using a 2-body Buckingham potential. I'm attempting to use the method of Frenkel and Ladd which consist in transform your solid reversibly into an Einstein crystal. I've read the excellent book...
  50. I

    Mechanics of Solids - Crandall,Dahl, Lardner

    We have this book as a text for oour Mechanics of Solids Course. I have solved many sums from the book but i don't have any place to compare the answers i have got with. Have hunted the net for the net but to no avail. Can anyone help me with a website which has atleast the answers of the...
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