Article
Article
Solid-state physics
Article By:
Harrison, Walter A. Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.634900
The study of the physical properties of solids, such as electrical, dielectric, elastic, and thermal properties, and their understanding in terms of fundamental physical laws. Most problems in solid-state physics would be called solid-state chemistry if studied by scientists with chemical training, and vice versa. Solid-state physics emphasizes the properties common to large classes of compounds rather than the dependence of properties upon compositions, the latter receiving greater emphasis in solid-state chemistry. In addition, solid-state chemistry tends to be more descriptive, while solid-state physics focuses upon quantitative relationships between properties and the underlying electronic structure. See also: Solid-state chemistry
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