Material Science: Basics

What are materials?

Materials simply are atoms joined together in the solid state. Materials Science studies the fundamental physical and chemical basis for the controlled combination of atoms to form new compounds, phases and microstructures, as well as the characterization of the resulting structures and properties.

– http://www.mse.uiuc.edu/home/introduction.html

Classification of Materials

+ Based on atomic bonding type

– 1. Ionic crystals

– 2. Covalent crystals

– 3. Metals

– 4. Intermetallics

– 5. Semiconductors

– 6. Polymers

– 7. Composite materials

– 8. Vitreous materials

– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materials_Engineering

What is matter?

1. The word "matter" describes everything that has physical existence.

2. Matter is defined as that which has mass and occupies space.

Classification of Matter

+ Based on substance

– 1. Pure

+ Based on chemical means

– 1. Compund

– 2. Element

– 2. Mixture

+ Based on composition

– 1. Heterogenous

– 2. Homogeneous

+ Based on constituents

– 1. Solution

– 2. Colloid

Three States of Matter

1. Solid – definite shape, definite volume

2. Liquid – indefinite shape, definite volume

3. Gas – indefinite shape, indefinite volume

4. Plasma – indefinite shape, indefinite volume

5. Gas – indefinite shape, indefinite volume

P.s.

– Definite (for both shape and volume) means that the container makes no difference whatsoever.

– Indefinite shape means that the sample in question takes on the ‘shape of the container’

– Indefinite volume means the sample would expand to fill the entire container.

– http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Matter/Matter.html

Links to more resources can be found in Ffox Bookmarks

Definitions – http://nhml.com/resources_NHML_Definitions.php