Physics of Matter

First year core course introductory textbook on the nature of matter that puts the physics before mathematical description

Physics of Matter is an introductory textbook on the nature of matter, based on a description of gases, liquids, liquid crystals, and solids in terms of the forces that bind atoms together and the thermal motion of the atoms, that discusses the relationship of these phases of matter to heat and the basic principles of thermodynamics.

Physics of Matter is unique in its coverage of material and includes topics that have become important in recent times such as graphene and liquid crystals. Material in the book is reinforced by numerous worked examples in the text and problems and solutions at the end of each chapter, the latter ranging in difficulty from simple exercises to challenging problems.

The emphasis is on clarity of exposition and explanation, putting the physics before the mathematical with general physical principles that c