Physics of Matter

The book is an introductory textbook on the nature of matter. It is 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. It discusses the relationship of these phases of matter to heat and the basic principles of thermodynamics. Based on a first year core course that is common to all universities, this text is suitable for all physics and science students.

The book is unique in its coverage of material and includes topics that have become important in recent times such as soft matter 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 can be more widely applied being stressed.