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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. J

    Intigration (volume of solids rotating about and axis)

    the solid lies between planes perpendicular to the x-axis at x=1 and x=-1 the cross-sections perpendicular to the x-axis are A) circles whose diameters stretch from the curve y = -1/squrt(1+x^2) to the curve y = 1/squrt(1+x^2) B)vertical squares whose base edges run from the curve y =...
  2. Y

    Finding Volume of Solid Generated by Revolving Cycloid Arch Around x-Axis

    [b]1. Find the volume of the solid generated by revolving the region bounded by the x-axis and one arch of the cycloid x=theta-sin(theta), y=1-cos(theta) around the x-axis. [b]2. hint:dV=(pi)y^2 dx [b]3. So far I have been unable to solve for theta so that I can form a relationship...
  3. CalleighMay

    Use a double integral to find volume of solids ?

    Hey guys! I have been on the forum for about a week or so and have compiled a lot of information and techniques to help me understand calculus, so i really appreciate everyone's help! I am a soon-to-be freshman in college and am taking a summer class, calculus II (took calc I in HS). This is...
  4. O

    How Do You Calculate the Force Exerted by an Orthodontic Wire on a Tooth?

    A stainless-steel orthodontic wire is applied to a tooth. The wire has an unstretched length of 3.1 cm and a diameter of 0.22 mm. If the wire is stretched 0.10 mm, find the magnitude and direction of the force on the tooth. Disregard the width of the tooth, and assume that Young's modulus for...
  5. M

    Solving PV=nRT for Solids - How to Determine Temp?

    PV=nRT for solids?? For a perfect gas PV = nRT. This is a very handy little equation that allows determination of temperature given pressure, volume, etc. for gasses, but is there some equivalent equation that relates temperature, pressure and volume for solids? Thanks
  6. H

    Transparent Liquids to Opaque Solids: Molecular Interactions

    I was having a glass of wine over candlelight and I noticed that the liquid wax was completely transparent but turned opaque when when the wax solidified. Why does this happen? Clearly, when the molecules reorganize during the freezing phase transition they begin to interact with the light. What...
  7. K

    Wave propagation velocity in solids

    Hi! Can some one give me a link where i can find details about finding the velocity of propagation of a mechanical wave in a solid? (i think this wave must be a transverse one)
  8. K

    Band Theory of Solids, Kittel CH 7

    Homework Statement I feel like I have a pretty good conceptual understanding of the origin of band theory, but these two problems were totally above my head. Kittel Ch7 #2 Consider the free electron bands of an fcc crystal lattice in the approximation of an empty lattice, but in the...
  9. G

    Energy Bands of Solids: Exploring Electrons & Intuitive Reasons

    Hi guys, I'm researching excited electrons in metals at the moment. I have a question which has probably being asked somewhere before but I can't find it using the search. I understand that the Pauli excl. princ. staes that you can't have two electrons with the same quantum numbers in...
  10. F

    Mean Value Theorem to calculate solids of revolution?

    Mean Value Theorem to calculate solids of revolution? Ive been studying calculus on my own because my school doesn't offer it and i came across solids of revolution tonight. In one of the problems it says "What is the volume of the solid formed by rotating y=e^x across the x-axis between...
  11. J

    Determining the Identity of Irregular Solids

    well trying to help my little brother with some chem homework, and i believe i am just thinking too hard about this question anyways its a whole chem lab thingy about the composition of pennies and one of the thinking questions is now when it says "identity" I am assuming they are...
  12. A

    Finding the Center of Mass for a Uniform Plate

    Homework Statement What are (a) the x coordinate and (b) the y coordinate of the center of mass for the uniform plate shown in Fig. if L = 5.0 cm? http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs1650/art/qb/qu/c09/fig09_38.gif Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So I think...
  13. Z

    Vibration & Phonons in Solids: Notes & Resources

    I'm looking for some notes concerning the following areas: Vibration in solids, Phonons, Specific heat capacity of solids, Electron gaz in solids, Debye model, stuff like that, any help ?
  14. S

    Sound Waves in Solids: What Type of Waves Do They Propagate?

    [SOLVED] Sound waves in solids? Hello! As far as i have learned sound waves are longitudinal! They propagate in gases liquids and plasmas. Does sound waves propagate through solids too? If so, what type of waves? Longitudinal or transversal? Thanks Note:If you consider this homework, sorry...
  15. E

    Exploring Platonic Solids: Identifying Faces

    [SOLVED] platonic solids Homework Statement Let f_1 be a face of one tetrahedron and let f_2 be a face on a second same-sized tetrahedron. Why do you not get a sixth Platonic solid when you identify f_1 and f_2, which you can do because they are the same triangle?Homework Equations The...
  16. N

    Volume Bound By Multiple Solids

    Hi, I have a question regarding appropriate methods of finding volumes bound by geometric solids. I can work through the math in MatLab by finding points in common within each solid volume...but it is very laborious and I thought that I'd ask you math people how you would tackle this...
  17. S

    Using Common properties of Solids in Life

    Hey, I just finished a lab on classifying solids based on their physical properties. I was just curious about some of the solids that I investigated. Wax (a non-polar molecular solid) and salt (ionic solid) were pretty weak -either melted or dissolved compared to network solids like clay and...
  18. J

    How can I make sound propagation in solids independent of tap intensity?

    Hi all, I was wondering whether someone can help/guide me. I am doing a project that involves sound propagation in solids. Basically, I have two microphones placed on a surface (say a piece of wood). Then, when a person taps on the surface I can detect the tap and determine the amplitude of tap...
  19. J

    How Does Sound Propagate Through Solids?

    Hi all, I was wondering whether someone can help/guide me. I am doing a project that involves sound propagation in solids. Basically, I have two microphones placed on a surface (say a piece of wood). Then, when a person taps on the surface I can detect the tap and determine the amplitude of...
  20. S

    Expansion of Solids: Brass and Lead Rods at Different Temperatures

    Q 1. A brass rod and a lead rod each 80 cm long at 0 degree celsius are clamped together at one end with their free end coinciding. The separation of the free ends of the rod if the system is placed in a steam bath at 100 degree celsius is ( coefficient of linear expansion of lead =...
  21. C

    Isothermal increase in pressure of solids

    Homework Statement How do you express work in an isothermal increase of pressure of a solid in terms of the initial and final pressure? Homework Equations van der waals equation W=Integral of PdV (P-na/v^2)(v-nb)=nKT P=pressure V=volume n=number of molecules(constant)...
  22. C

    Describing the attraction forces between atomic solids

    Oh god, please help... 1. Describe the attraction forces between atomic solids. Upon what factors do the strength of these forces depend? 2.Which of the noble gases would have the highest melting point? Why? :blushing:.. I'm not very good at chemistry
  23. F

    Solids and Fluids pressure homework

    Homework Statement In a sample of seawater taken from an oil spill, an oil layer 4.0 cm thich floats on 55 cm of water. If the density of the oil is 0.75 x 10^3 kg/m^3, what is the absolute pressure on the bottom of the container. p= 0.75x10^3 kg/m^3 g = 9.8m/s^2 h=.55m p=? pa =...
  24. I

    What is the spring constant if a 0.25 kg rock stretches a spring by 0.25 m?

    Homework Statement Hang a 0.25 kg rock from the end of a spring. If the spring stretches 0.25 m, what is the spring constant? Homework Equations i'd assume F/A=Y(Change in L/Lo) The Attempt at a Solution I can do it if there was Area, but there isn't. there's probably another...
  25. E

    Dissolving Solids: Can They Be Reformed?

    I would type the problem but it's really long. I just need to know what the two different results are for dissolving solids because I completely forgot. I think it has to do with if you can bring them back or not ?
  26. W

    Solving the Mystery of Material Solids: Gage Blocks

    I would like to know how material solids of exact composition stay apart from one another? Additional...Gage blocks (steel), while unmagnitized,can be "rung" together. I know that solids have structured atoms and are hard to compress and all that stuff...Help!
  27. Astronuc

    Continuum Mechanics - Solids and Fluids

    I started reading a great textbook and thought I would share some of its finer points. It is a great introduction to mechanics of solids and liquids, although the title explicitly states Earth and Environmental Sciences. http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/~geo/faculty/emeriti/middleton/index.html...
  28. T

    Shell's Method: Solids of Rotation, Torus

    Homework Statement Volume of Torus: using Shell's mehod 4\pi \int^{1}_{-1}((R-x) \sqrt{r^2 - x^2})dx Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I don't know how to integrate this at all. I cannot use any conventional methods...or I can't think of a way... i.e. use isolate a function as...
  29. G

    Advice on volume of solids NOT of revolution?

    Anyone have any advice for finding volumes of solids that are not solids of revolution? I have a much more difficult time starting these kinds of problems compared to revolving ones.
  30. G

    Question about Volume of Solids

    I'm having trouble with problems where you have to find the volume of a solids that are not solids of revolution. Can someone help me with these problems and also tell me a general way of approaching these problems? Thanks Homework Statement A hole of radius r is bored through the center of...
  31. B

    What is the Common Temperature for Expansion of a Steel Ring and Aluminum Rod?

    Homework Statement A steel ring with a hole having area of 3.96 cm2 is to be placed on an aluminum rod with cross-sectional area of 4.00 cm2. Both rod and ring are initially at a temperature of 36.0°C. At what common temperature can the steel ring be slipped onto one end of the aluminum rod...
  32. P

    Apply kinetic theory to solids and liquids?

    My chemistry textbook tries to explain the properties of solids and liquids with the kinetic theory. Is this not good? Should only gases be explained by the kinetic theory since one of the postulates in this theory is that particles exert no forces on each other. The book had to disable this...
  33. A

    (ceramics) random walk approach to gases, liquids, or solids

    For the random walk approach to gases, liquids, or solids, why isn't there a gradient? The atoms don't jump by themselves, right? They should have to feel forces to jump...
  34. K

    Chemistry - Net ionic equations, ionic solids

    I am having a review test soon and I was not taught anything about ionic stuff last year, I have no idea what it is at all. Sample questions look like: "which of the following compounds are considered to be ionic solids? If it is an ioni solid, write an equation showing the dissociation of...
  35. M

    Specific Heat Capacity of solids liquid or Gas, which is largest?

    This questions puzzles me: Which has a larger specific heat capacity (shc) : solid, liquid or gas. We can assume that it is of the same matter. Why? I have checked the numbers. Only water has it on all three states. Liq water has the highest, while that of ice and steam is about the same...
  36. D

    Can Network Solids Have Conduction Orbitals Like Metallic Solids?

    Since metals are neutral, and their electrons delocalized, is the number of electrons in a metallic solid equal to the number of protons in the solid? Also I am guessing that the valence shells of the metals are not complete? I am confused on this regard. Furthermore, I can see how the myriad...
  37. T

    Dielectric Constants from solids to pellets

    Hi, Could someone explain why when comparing a materials dielectric constant in solid form it is sometimes higher in pellet form and sometimes lower for other materials. For example, Polypropylene has a dk = 1.5 when in a solid (lump) block. This then becomes dk ~ 1.5 - 1.8 when in pellet...
  38. Amith2006

    Why Do Solids Expand When Heated?

    Sir, Why does solid expand on heating? The answer to this question given in my book is “The potential energy curve is asymmetric about the equilibrium distance between neighbouring atoms. Is it right? I think solid expands due to increase in kinetic energy of atoms.
  39. M

    Volume of Solids of Revolution: y=sqrt(6x+4) & y=2x

    Find the volume formed by rotating the area contained by y=sqrt(6x+4), the y-axis and the line y=2x about the y-axis. Set up, but do not evaluate the integral. First I graphed it, then did the "washer" method of finding the area of the circle formed, and found that the radius is...
  40. U

    How Do You Calculate Arc Length and Volume of Rotated Solids in Calculus?

    i have 2 calculus questions that are due in the next half n hour and i have no idea how to even start them. I hope somoene can help me in time. Question1 Find the volume of the solid obtained if the plane region E bounded by the curve y=x^2 and y=x^3 between x=0 and x=1 is rotated about the...
  41. M

    Amedeo Avogadro & Molar Ratios: Gases, Solids & Solutions

    Can I use molar ratios for gasses, solids, and aqueous solutions all in one equation? For instance: Mg(s) + 2 HCL(aq) -> MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) Can I say that if i had 2 moles of Mg I would have 2 moles of H2. Does this trick have anything to do with Amedeo Avogadro?
  42. A

    Specific heat : solids and liquids

    I am having a lot of trouble with these types of problems.. this one is on a homework assignment and i don't know where to begin. heres the problem : The sepcific heat of lead is 31.0 calories per kilogram per Celsius degree. (a) Find the heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1.30 kg of...
  43. Greg Bernhardt

    Dr. Donald Luttermoser: Solids & Fluids

    Author: Dr. Donald Luttermoser of East Tennessee State University
  44. W

    Using Calculus to find Volume of 3-D Solids

    Hey folks... I've been thinking about using integration to deal with the volumes of various objects such as: Cylinders: For cylinders, I used integration to find the volume. I imagined the area of a circle, which is \pi*r^2 and then decided that if I stacked a series of solid disks (which...
  45. B

    Impact of solids vs non-solids.

    Hi everyone. I'm not a physicist but I need some help. In the hypothetical situation of a 1 kg block of concrete being dropped onto a concrete slab from 3 metres, the force of the impact is easy to calculate. However, if one were to pick up the pieces and re-drop them, what would be the force...
  46. D

    How to Determine Correct Percentages for Diluting Potash in Electrolysis Device?

    Hello all, This is my first post here. My apologies if this is in the wrong place. I'm building an electrolysis device using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the electrolyte and I don't know the formula for determining the correct percentages. I'm trying to dilute caustic potash from 45% KOH &...
  47. S

    Shape Shape-shifting strings solids, liquids, and gasses

    For your thoughts... a theory of mine... A Method by which shape shifting strings may explain: 1. Plasma 2. Hydrogen 3. Helium 4. Neutrons 5. Gasses 6. Liquids 7. Solids Consider the following: If a string, was a string, in shape, in only one STATE of its existence, then one...
  48. H

    Mechanics of Solids: Exploring Depth & Applications

    Guys can you suggest me some nice book on Mechanics of Solids! I find "Crandall and Dahl" doesn't go deeper in explaining basic concepts! I am looking for a which maintains balance between depth and applications!
  49. H

    Mechanics of Solids: Equilibrium for Rigid vs Deformable Bodies

    In a lecture of Mechanics of solids ,the instructor said, For an rigid body to be in equilibrium it should have no tendency to either displace or rotate(that's okay!)but for deformable bodies each & every subsystem should be in equilibrium! I wonder how it is that body can be in...
  50. K

    Can I use a lookup table to determine helium diffusion through silicon?

    Hello all, I need to know the rate at which Helium will diffuse through a solid, specifically silicon. Assume I accelerate and implant a He+ ion into a bulk silicon substrate. How long will it take to diffuse out of the silicon? I know it will depend on the temp of Si and the depth of...
Back
Top