The solid state of matter is characterized by resistance to changes of shape or volume. Atoms are binding each other to fixed sites either in a crystalline lattice, or in a less ordered structure. The branch of physics that deals with solids is called solid-state physics, and is the main branch of condensed matter physics which also includes liquids. The emerging field of materials science is primarily concerned with the physical and chemical properties of solids and their applications as high… (More on Solid)