Liquids and Solids

In this volume the author gives an account of the essential properties of liquids and solids, with particular emphasis on their response to applied forces. Their behaviour is examined both on the large scale, i.e. in terms of quantities that are measured in the laboratory and from the atomic standpoint, and an attempt is made to show how the bulk properties, such as elastic and plastic deformation, viscosity and surface effects, may be related to what the constituent particles are doing, that is to the properties of a large assembly of strongly interacting particles. There is a final chapter on high polymers and liquid crystals. The material covered is at a level appropriate to a first degree course in physics but the book should also be of relevance to engineering and materials science students. The book is amply illustrated and includes worked examples and exercises (with answers) for the student. This book should be of interest to second year undergraduate students taking courses in physics, engineering and mathematics.