Solid-state physics is the study of solids, specifically their physical properties like electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and magnetic behavior. It delves into the behavior of electrons and atoms within solid materials. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Crystalline Structure: Solids are often characterized by their regular, repeating arrangement of atoms or molecules (crystals). This structure significantly … Read more
Plastics engineering is the discipline focused on designing, manufacturing, and utilizing plastic materials and products. It involves understanding the properties of various plastics and applying that knowledge to create functional and durable items. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Material Selection: Choosing the right type of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate) based on required properties. Manufacturing … Read more
Materials science is the interdisciplinary field of science that studies the properties of matter and its applications to various fields. It involves understanding how the structure of a material affects its properties, and how to design and create new materials with specific characteristics. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Structure-Property Relationships: The core principle is understanding … Read more
Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which are compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. It explores a vast array of substances, excluding the majority of carbon-based compounds. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focuses on elements and compounds lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds. Studies the structure, bonding, … Read more
Electron microscopy is a technique for obtaining high-resolution images of biological and non-biological specimens by using a beam of electrons to illuminate the sample. It provides significantly higher resolution than light microscopy, allowing visualization of structures at the nanometer scale, revealing details invisible to the human eye. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Uses a beam … Read more
Crystallography is the scientific study of the arrangement of atoms in solids. It involves determining the structure of crystalline materials, which are solids with a highly ordered, repeating pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Crystalline structure: Atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered, three-dimensional pattern. Unit cell: … Read more
Computational chemistry is the application of computer simulation and theoretical methods to solve chemical problems. It uses algorithms and software to predict and understand the behavior of molecules and materials. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Utilizes quantum mechanics (the study of matter at the atomic and subatomic level) to model molecular systems. Employs various computational … Read more