Chemistry - properties of materials

Question 1

What does Understanding how materials behave in different circumstances help us to do?

Answer 1

Helps us to design and make new things and create new materials.

Question 2

If we want to make something, we need to choose the best material to make it from.

Answer 2

For example, a tent needs to be made from a fabric that is light so that it can be easily carried and flexible so that it can be folded up, and waterproof so that it does not let the rain in.

Question 3

Materials change over time. Sometimes that change is very slow and you might not notice it happening, for example the weathering of rocks. Sometimes you might notice changes taking place slowly, for example fruit ripening. Why is this important to know?

Answer 3

Because changes in materilas can lead to the formation of new materilas - which are hard or soft for example.

Question 4

Materials are what things are made from.

Each material has different what?

Answer 4

1) properties

2) and the choice of material for a particular use will depend on its properties.

Question 5

Describe what a material might be?

Answer 5

• metal/non-metal
• strong/weak
• hard/soft
• rigid/flexible
  • waterproof/not waterproof
  • magnetic/non-magnetic
  • thermal conductor/thermal insulator
  • transparent/translucent/opaque
  • electrical conductor/electrical insulator
  • cheap to produce/expensive to produce.