materialverse

Ever since I learnt about the elements and the periodic table, it has amazed me that:

• there actually are only 94 different kinds of atoms that we know about!

• these 94 kinds of atoms combine and form so many millions of combinations that we know of as materials and exist all around us.

So materials science and engineering, which is the study of the atomic and molecular properties of materials and their applications, is something I wanted to learn more about. But materials science and engineering is not just an abstract study at the atomic and sub-atomic level. Combining physics, chemistry, mathematics, recent advances in discovering, understanding and modifying materials have wildly diverse applications ranging from aerospace and agriculture to electronics and surgery.

In this series of blog posts, I want to explore how materials play such a central role in my every day life, from basketballs, mirrors, electronic devices, solar panels and earthquake prevention. I hope to further my understanding and increase my appreciation for this exciting branch of science that I dream of making a contribution to, someday!