Bonding, structure and solid-state chemistry

This book is aimed at undergraduate students in both chemistry and those degree subjects in which chemistry forms a significant part. It does not reflect any particular academic year, and so finds a place during the normal span of degree studies in the physical sciences. An A-level standard in science and mathematics is presumed; additional mathematical treatments are discussed in Appendices. An introductory first chapter leads into the main subject matter, which is treated through four chapters in terms of the principle bonding forces of cohesion in the solid state; a further chapter discusses nanosize materials. Important applications of the study topics are interspersed at appropriate points within the text. Each chapter is provided with a set of problems of varying degrees of difficulty, so as to assist the reader in gaining a facility with the subject matter and its applications. The problems are supplemented by detailed tutorial solutions, some of which present additional relevant material that indicate useful extensions of the topics. The acquisition of a three-dimensional visualization facility for chemical structures is aided by the provision of stereoscopic illustrations, and instructions for their correct viewing are provided. Computational aids are an important adjunct to both the understanding of the textual material and the solving of problems. A set of computer programs, some of which are interactive, has been devised for these applications and a short chapter provides additional information and practice in their execution. Notwithstanding chemical bonding and solid-state chemistry are wide-ranging topics, sufficient detail is included to form a sound basis for wider explorations of these subjects.