ABSTRACT
The vibrations of the atoms in the crystalline lattice are important in understanding the thermal properties of both metallic and nonmetallic solids. The energy involved in these vibrations represents thermal energy; hence lattice vibrations are primarily responsible for the heat capacity of solids. Also, these vibrations are able to transport heat and are the dominant source of thermal conductivity in nonmetals. Therefore, in order to understand thermal properties of solids, it is necessary to start with a general understanding of the nature of lattice dynamics.
