Providing a reference on functional materials, this text outlines the modern theory of atoms and molecules as well as different types of bonds in solids.

Written by academics with more than 30 years experience teaching physics and material science, this book will act as a one stop reference on functional materials. Offering a complete coverage of functional materials, this unique book deals with all three states of the material, providing an insightful overview of this subject not before seen in other texts. It includes solved examples, and a number of exercises and answers to the exercises. It aims to promote understanding of the subject as a basis for higher studies. The use of mathematically complicated quantum mechanical equations will be minimized to aid understanding.

Preface.1. Structures of Melts and Solids.1.1 Introduction.1.2 X-ray Analysis.1.3 The Hard Sphere Model of Atoms.1.4 Crystal Structure.1.5 Crystal Structures of Solid Metals.1.6 Crystal Defects in Pure Metals.1.7 Structures of Alloy Melts and Solids.Summary.Exercises.2. Theory of Atoms and Molecules.2.1 Introduction.2.2 The Bohr Model of Atomic Structure.2.3 The Quantum Mechanical Model of Atomic Structure.2.4 Solution of the Schrodinger Equation for Atoms.2.5 Quantum Mechanics and Probability. Selection Rules.2.6 The Quantum Mechanical Model of Molecular Structure.2.7 Diatomic Molecules.2.8 Polyatomic Molecules.Summary.Exercises.3. Theory of Solids.3.1 Introduction.3.2 Bonds in Molecules and Solids. Some Definitions.3.3 Bonds in Molecules and Non-Metallic Solids.3.4 Metallic Bonds.3.5 Band Theory of Solids.3.6 Elastic Vibrations in Solids.3.7 Influence of Lattice Defects on Electronic Structures in Crystals.Summary.Exercises.4. Properties of Gases.4.1 Introduction.4.2 Kinetic Theory of Gases.4.3 Energy Distribution in Particle Systems. Maxwell-Boltzmann-s Distribution Law.4.4 Gas Laws.4.5 Heat Capacity.4.6 Mean Free Path.4.7 Viscosity.4.8 Thermal Conduction.4.9 Diffusion.4.10 Molecular Sizes.4.11 Properties of Gas Mixtures.4.12 Plasma - The Fourth State of Matter.Summary.Exercises.5. Transformation Kinetics: Diffusion in Solids.5.1 Introduction.5.2 Thermodynamics.5.3 Transformation Kinetics.5.4 Reaction Rates.5.5 Kinetics of Homogeneous Reactions in Gases.5.6 Diffusion in Solids.Summary.Exercises.6. Mechanical, Thermal and Magnetic Properties of Solids.6.1 Introduction.6.2 Total Energy of Metallic Crystals.6.3 Elasticity and Compressibility.6.4 Expansion.6.5 Heat Capacity.6.6 Magnetism.Summary.Exercises.7. Transport Properties of Solids. Optical Properties of Solids.7.1 Introduction.7.2 Thermal Conduction.7.3 Electrical Conduction.7.4 Metallic Conductors.7.5 Insulators.7.6 Semiconductors.7.7 Optical Properties of Solids.Summary.Exercises.8 Properties of Liquids and Melts.8.1 Introduction.8.2 X-ray Spectra of Liquids and Melts.8.3 Models of Pure Liquids and Melts.8.4 Melting Points of Solid Metals.8.5 Density and Volume.8.6 Thermal Expansion.8.7 Heat Capacity.8.8 Transport Properties of Liquids.8.9 Diffusion.8.10 Viscosity.8.11 Thermal Conduction.8.12 Electrical Conduction.Summary.ExercisesAnswers to Exercises.Index.