condensed matter

physics

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June 24, 2026

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Condensed-matter physics is a branch of physics that studies the thermal, elastic, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of solid and liquid substances. This field experienced rapid growth in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to significant scientific and technical advancements, such as the transistor.12

A key focus is on crystalline materials, where the repetitive arrangement of atoms allows for analysis using quantum mechanics. In conductors like metals, free electrons contribute to electrical and thermal conductivity. Other materials studied include semiconductors and insulators.12

Condensed matter also explores properties of liquids, liquid crystals, and quantum liquids near absolute zero. Phenomena like superfluidity and superconductivity are studied, with implications for astrophysics, such as in neutron stars.12

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…free-molecule character of gases, the condensed phases of matter—as liquids, crystalline solids, and glasses are called—depend for their properties on the constant proximity of all their constituent atoms. The extent to which the identities of the molecular constituents are maintained varies widely in these condensed forms of matter. Weakly bound…
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…free-molecule character of gases, the condensed phases of matter—as liquids, crystalline solids, and glasses are called—depend for their properties on the constant proximity of all their constituent atoms. The extent to which the identities of the molecular constituents are maintained varies widely in these condensed forms of matter. Weakly bound…
Read More