Condensed Matter physics studies how solid materials such as metals, stones or plastics are constructed and behave. Condensed matter physics examines how the microscopic components of these materials (such as [[Ion|ions]] and [[Electron|electrons]]) work together and thereby determine whether a material is, for example, hard, soft, transparent or magnetic. These properties could not be understood before the advent of [[Quantum Mechanics|quantum mechanics]]. This branch of science helps us understand why certain materials have certain properties and is used to develop new materials, for example for better computer chips or solar cells. It also paved the way for technologies like the [[Laser|laser]], [[Scanning Tunneling Microscope|scanning tunneling microscopes]] and [[Transistor|transistors]]. >[!read]- Further Reading >- [[Quantum Mechanics]] >- [[Tunneling]] >[!ref]- References