MOL-014 · Real gases, liquids and solids Sample material

Structure of solids

Crystalline and amorphous solids, anisotropy of crystals, the crystal lattice and unit cell, single crystals and polycrystals, crystal defects and dislocations, mechanical properties of solids and elastic deformation, thermal conduction.

Estimated time: 3 h 4 activities

Learning objective

Understand the differences in structure and properties between crystalline and amorphous solids.
Master the concepts of crystal lattice, unit cell, coordination number and packing fraction.
Study crystal defects, especially the role of dislocations in mechanical properties.
Study the laws of elastic deformation and thermal conduction in solids.

Expected outcomes

Calculates the number of atoms per cell, the density and the lattice constant for cubic lattices (simple, body-centred, face-centred).
Distinguishes types of defects and uses dislocations to explain why real strength is much lower than theoretical strength.
Finds stress, strain and elongation using Hooke's law.
Calculates the heat flow through a solid using Fourier's law.

Interactive modelCrystal lattice and its defects

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Problem solving on the mechanical properties and thermal conduction of solids
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Physics of polymers
Self-study · 6 h · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Problem solving on the mechanical properties and thermal conduction of solids
  • Final test — at least 70%