Engineering keywords #1

Question 1

What are the twelve key properties of materials?

Answer 1

Strength
Elasticity
Plasticity
Ductility
Tensile Strength
Malleability
Toughness
Hardness
Conductivity
Durability
Compressive Strength
Torsional Strength

Question 2

What is meant by the strength of a material?

Answer 2

Strength is the ability of a material to stand up to forces being applied without it bending, breaking, shattering or deforming in any way

Question 3

What is meant by the elasticity of a material?

Answer 3

Elasticity is the ability of a material to absorb force and flex in different directions, returning to its original position.

Question 4

What is meant by the plasticity of materials?

Answer 4

Plasticity is the ability of a material to be change in shape permanently. For instance aluminium can be melted and poured into a mould. When it has cooled it’s shape will retain the mould’s shape.

Question 5

What is meant by the ductility of materials?

Answer 5

Ductility is the ability of a material to change shape (deform) usually by stretching along its length. Lead is a metal that can be deformed in this way.

Question 6

What is meant by the tensile strength of a material?

Answer 6

Tensile strength is the ability of a material to stretch without breaking or snapping.

Question 7

What is meant by the tensile strength of a material?

Answer 7

Tensile strength is the ability of a material to stretch without breaking or snapping.

Question 8

What is meant by the malleability of a material?

Answer 8

Malleability is the ability of a material to be reshaped in all directions without cracking. By heating a piece of steel until it is red hot, it becomes malleable and can be reshaped with a forging hammer.