Properties of Solids
Introduction to the Properties of Solids
The study of solids is a fundamental aspect of materials science and chemistry, as it encompasses a wide range of substances that play vital roles in everyday life and industrial applications. Solids are defined as states of matter characterized by their fixed shape and volume, which arise from the strong intermolecular forces that hold their constituent particles closely together. Unlike liquids and gases, the particles in solids are tightly packed, resulting in unique properties that distinguish them from other states of matter.