Solid State Physics

By definition, solid state is that particular aggregation form of matter characterized by strong interaction forces between constituent particles (atoms, ions, or molecules). As a result, a solid state material has an independent geometric form (in contrast to liquids, which take the form of the container) and an invariant volume (in contrast to gases/vapors) in given temperature and pressure conditions. As temperature increases, a solid state material can evolve into another aggregation form (liquid or gas). Solid state physics studies the structural, mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of (poly-)crystalline and non-crystalline solids (for example, amorphous materials, such as glass).