What role does physics play in materials science?

[assed]

Hello.
I would like to hear of somebody with experience in the area of materials science (theoretical/computational or experimental) the answer to the following question: What kind of Physics knowledge one must have to work in this area. I mean, how much of the basic Physics stuff you must know and how do you use it in your work. I have been asking myself this because to me it looks like none of the advanced stuff (like quantum mechanics, advanced electromagnetism, statistical physics, solid state, etc) is really used in the area and what trully matters is knowing the things only related to materials characteristics, things that I think are more common that a chemist would know. Since I don't know anyone who works in the field, I asked here.
Thanks in advance.

 

[ZapperZ]

Hello.
I would like to hear of somebody with experience in the area of materials science (theoretical/computational or experimental) the answer to the following question: What kind of Physics knowledge one must have to work in this area. I mean, how much of the basic Physics stuff you must know and how do you use it in your work. I have been asking myself this because to me it looks like none of the advanced stuff (like quantum mechanics, advanced electromagnetism, statistical physics, solid state, etc) is really used in the area and what trully matters is knowing the things only related to materials characteristics, things that I think are more common that a chemist would know. Since I don't know anyone who works in the field, I asked here.
Thanks in advance.

I would suggest you open a solid state textbook, such as the one by Kittel or Ashcroft/Mermin. After you get through the free-electron/Drude model, practically everything else is the application of quantum mechanics! Just look at the Bloch wavefunction for starters.

Zz.

 

[heatengine516]

Solid state physics is the theoretical basis for materials science. For computational materials science you might want to look into techniques like density functional theory.

 

[Useful nucleus]

Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are needed whenever you study materials that undergo phase transitions, or high temperatures/pressures are important
Elasticity theory and continuum mechanics are needed when studying the impact of defects on the mechanical properties.

Electromagnetics is necessary for those work in ferroelectric and magentic materials.

As mentioned above solid state physics/ Density functional theory are needed whenever you study crystalline solids.

If you plan to study water/semiconductor or water/metal interfaces then a bit of electrochemistry and liquid state physics are needed.

If you study amorphous metal oxides then you may need all the above

 

[Matrix0]

As a scientist with experience in materials science, I can tell you that a strong understanding of physics is essential in this field. While it is true that some of the more advanced topics in physics may not be directly applicable, a solid foundation in the basics is crucial for understanding the behavior and properties of materials.

For example, knowledge of classical mechanics is important for understanding the structural and mechanical properties of materials. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are also essential for understanding how materials behave at different temperatures and under different conditions. Electromagnetism is crucial for understanding the electrical and magnetic properties of materials, and quantum mechanics is becoming increasingly important in the study of nanoscale materials.

In addition, a deep understanding of the principles of physics allows materials scientists to design and manipulate materials at the atomic and molecular level. This is critical for developing new materials with tailored properties for specific applications.

In summary, while it may seem that only basic physics knowledge is needed in materials science, a deeper understanding of advanced topics is also important for pushing the boundaries of material design and development. As a materials scientist, I use my knowledge of physics every day to better understand and manipulate materials for various applications. I hope this helps answer your question and provides some insight into the role of physics in materials science.