A solid is one of the states of matter that has a distinct shape and volume. Around us, there are four natural states of matter. There are four types: solids, liquids, gases, and plasma. Solids are more common than liquids and gases. The primary distinction between solids, liquids, and gases is that liquids and gases are fluid, whereas solids are rigid. Because their constituent particles have fixed positions and can only oscillate around their mean positions, solids are stiff.
A solid is defined as a form of matter that undergoes rigidity and thus has a definite shape and volume. Solids have a regular order of their constituent particles, according to the kinetic molecular model. Because they are held together by relatively strong forces, these particles are present in fixed positions.
Some of the most important properties of solids are:
Solid is one of the four essential states of matter (the others being liquid, gas and plasma). The molecules in a solid are packed tightly together and have the least amount of kinetic energy. A solid is defined by its structural stability and resistance to force applied to its surface. Unlike a liquid, a solid material does not flow to take on the shape of its container, nor does it expand like a gas to fill the entire volume available. The matter has both physical and electrical properties.
Solids, like liquids, have a distinct shape and volume. However, the electrical properties of solids vary greatly depending on their composition and chemical structure. Conductors, semiconductors, and insulators are the three types of materials. The electrical property of a material is referred to as conductivity. The electrical conductivity of a substance is defined as its ability to transmit heat energy or electrical energy (and in some cases also sound energy). As a result, a good electrical conductor can easily transmit energy without boiling, melting, or otherwise altering its composition.
Magnetic properties of solids, also known as magnetism in chemistry, arise from the magnetic dipole moment in solids. The spinning of electrons in its axis and orbital motion around the nucleus of the atom produces the magnetic dipole moment in magnetic materials. The magnetic properties of solids are observed as a result of magnetic fields created by the magnetic moments and electric currents of electrons.
Solids’ magnetic properties are only one aspect of electromagnetism. An electron’s small charge generates a magnetic field along its axis. The magnetic moment is created by the angular momentum of the electron’s spinning motion.
Solids’ electrical properties are measured in terms of conductivity. The ease with which an electric current can pass through a given substance is defined as conductivity. Not all solids conduct electricity in the same way. Some have high conductivity, while others do not conduct electricity at all. Solids are classified into three types based on their ability to conduct electricity:
Conductors are solids that allow an electric current to flow easily through them. Metals are generally good electrical conductors. The presence of mobile electrons in metals causes electrical conductivity. Metals have conductivities of the order of 107(m)-1. There is no space between the conduction and valence bands. As a result, electrons can easily flow from the valence band to the conduction band under the influence of an electric field, making them good electrical conductors.
Insulators are materials that don’t conduct electricity. The bandgap between the valence and conduction bands is enormous. Even when given a large amount of energy, these solids do not conduct electricity. Wood, plastics, and other materials are examples.
Every substance in our environment contains magnetic properties. In the presence of a magnetic field, different materials exhibit different properties. The magnetic properties of a substance are caused by electrons in the atoms or molecules. Every electron in an atom acts like a miniature magnet. Electrons are also known as small current loops that retain their magnetic moment. These magnetic moments result from two types of electron motion:
A magnet does not attract non-magnetic materials. Wood, plastic, and other non-magnetic materials are examples. Magnetization is not possible with nonmagnetic materials. In magnetic fields, they have very little reaction. Nonmagnetic substances are composed of molecules in which electrons spinning in one direction are balanced by electrons spinning in the opposite direction. Non-magnetic materials are those that cannot be attracted by a magnet. Nonmagnetic materials include plastic, rubber, water, and all substances other than iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnetization is not possible with nonmagnetic substances.
As previously stated, the electrical and magnetic properties of solids are two distinct aspects of the same phenomenon known as electromagnetism. The electrical conductivity of solids varies. The ability of an object to conduct electricity is referred to as conductivity. Solids’ other electric properties include resistivity, capacitance, and impedance. Metals and alloys are excellent conductors of electricity, whereas ceramics and glasses are excellent insulators. Semiconductors contain both electrons and holes, which contribute to current flow. At low temperatures, materials such as aluminium, tin, metal alloys, and heavily doped semiconductors exhibit superconductivity.
A solid's particles are tightly packed together in a fixed arrangement, which means that their location is fixed. The force between the adjacent particles is also strong, making it even easier for heat to transfer and pass through during collision.
Each atom is made up of a number of electrons that are constantly moving inside the atom. This magnetic movement is what causes the atoms to become magnetised. Net magnetisation is obtained when the substance under consideration reacts with an external magnetic field. Any magnetic dipole moment that is inherently unbalanced due to the constant movement of electrons is a significant factor influencing the magnetisation of the atom.
The two most common types of magnetism are magnetism and paramagnetism, which account for the majority of the periodic table of elements at room temperature. These elements are commonly referred to as non-magnetic, whereas ferromagnetic elements are referred to as magnetic.
