How are the following properties of a macroscopic sample related to the atomic and electronic structure of a material? Explain qualitatively:

a) Mechanical Properties
b) Thermal Properties
c) Chemical Properties

Question

How are the following properties of a macroscopic sample related to the atomic and electronic structure of a material? Explain qualitatively:

a) Mechanical Properties
b) Thermal Properties
c) Chemical Properties

jamesj · Answer

Lordy, that's a big question and the subject of this entire course: https://www.edx.org/courses/MITx/3.091x/2013_Spring/about In short a) the crystal structure and the strengths of the bonds in the structure determine mechanical properties b) the strength of the bonds of the liquid and solid phase of a substance determine its thermal properties c) all the bonds and their energy states in general determine chemical properties

anonymous · Answer

@JamesJ thank you so much!  This is one question in my first homework assignment.  Would you recommend I sign up for that course? Does it cover solid state physics?

jamesj · Answer

It covers a lot of ground in solid state chemistry, including a lot of basic solid state physics. I recommend it, to be sure!