Materials science

Materials Science

Materials Science (pronunciation: /məˈtɪəriəlz saɪəns/) is an interdisciplinary field involving the properties of matter and its applications to various areas of science and engineering. It includes elements of applied physics and chemistry, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering.

Etymology

The term "Materials Science" is derived from the English words "material" and "science". The word "material" comes from the Latin "materia", meaning "substance from which something is made", and "science" comes from the Latin "scientia", meaning "knowledge".

Related Terms

Atomic Structure: The arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons within an atom, which is a fundamental concept in materials science.
Crystallography: The study of crystal structure, symmetry, and properties, which is an important aspect of studying materials at the atomic level.
Nanotechnology: The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, often used in materials science to create new materials with unique properties.
Polymer Science: The study of polymers, their properties, and applications, which is a key area of materials science.
Semiconductor: A material with properties between a conductor and an insulator, semiconductors are a major focus in materials science due to their applications in electronics.
Metallurgy: The study of the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements and their mixtures, or alloys, which is a key area of materials science.