Understanding Solid State Physics

An Accessible Introduction for Undergraduates
1. Auflage 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7503-0972-1
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 367 Seiten, Format (B × H): 161 mm x 242 mm, Gewicht: 695 g

Enables students to easily grasp basic solid state physics principles
Keeping the mathematics to a minimum yet losing none of the required rigor, Understanding Solid State Physics clearly explains basic physics principles to provide a firm grounding in the subject. The author underscores the technological applications of the physics discussed and emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of scientific research.

After introducing students to solid state physics, the text examines the various ways in which atoms bond together to form crystalline and amorphous solids. It also describes the measurement of mechanical properties and the means by which the mechanical properties of solids can be altered or supplemented for particular applications. The author discusses how electromagnetic radiation interacts with the periodic array of atoms that make up a crystal and how solids react to heat on both atomic and macroscopic scales. She then focuses on conductors, insulators, semiconductors, and superconductors, including some basic semiconductor devices. The final chapter addresses the magnetic properties of solids as well as applications of magnets and magnetism.

This accessible textbook provides a useful introduction to solid state physics for undergraduates who feel daunted by a highly mathematical approach. By relating the theories and concepts to practical applications, it shows how physics is used in the real world.
Features:

Uses an accessible writing style and format, offering journalistic accounts of interesting research
Contains worked examples, self-test questions, and a helpful glossary of frequently used terms and offers further reading, web links, and other resources on www.crcpress.com
Includes derivations of key equations and reviews of essential physics in the appendices
Solutions manual available upon qualifying course adoption

Zielgruppe

Undergraduate students in physics, materials science, chemistry, and engineering.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Holgate, Sharon Ann

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Thermodynamik Festkörperphysik, Kondensierte Materie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction

Crystal Clear: Bonding and Crystal Structures

The Rejection of Perfection: Defects, Amorphous Materials, and Polymers

Stressed Out: The Mechanical Properties of Solids

In, Out, Shake It All About: Diffraction, Phonons, and Thermal Properties of Solids

Unable to Resist: Metals, Semiconductors, and Superconductors

Chips with Everything: Semiconductor Devices and Dielectrics

Living in a Magnetic World: Magnetism and Its Applications

Appendix A: Some Useful Maths
Appendix B: Vibrations and Waves
Appendix C: Revision of Atomic Physics
Appendix D: Revision of Quantum Mechanics
Appendix E: Revision of Statistical Mechanics
Appendix F: Glossary of Terms

Index

Über Autor(innen)

Sharon Ann Holgate is a freelance science writer and broadcaster. She has presented on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, presented video podcasts for medical research charity the Myrovlytis Trust, and competed in a "Boffins Special" on The Weakest Link. She earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Sussex, where she was a Visiting Fellow in Physics and Astronomy for nine years. Her articles have appeared in New Scientist, The Times Higher Education Supplement, Science Careers, Flipside, E&T, Focus, Physics World, Interactions, Modern Astronomer, and Astronomy Now. Her first book The Way Science Works (co-authored with Robin Kerrod) was shortlisted for the Royal Society Junior Books Prize. She was also shortlisted for the broadcasting category of the Association of British Science Writers' Awards in 2005. Dr. Holgate has been a recipient of the Institute of Physics Young Professional Physicist of the Year and the Merit Award of the Daily Telegraph Young Science Writer of the Year competition. You can find out more about the author here. General further information can be found on the author's website.