Engineering keywords #2

Question 1

What is meant by the toughness of a material?

Answer 1

Toughness is the characteristic of a material that does not break or shatter when receiving a blow, impact or under a sudden shock. The opposite of toughness is brittleness.

Question 2

What is meant by the hardness of a material?

Answer 2

Hardness is the ability of a material to resist scratching, wear and tear and indentation

Question 3

What is meant by the conductivity of a material?

Answer 3

Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct electricity and heat.

Question 4

What is meant by the durability of a material?

Answer 4

Durability is the ability to withstand wear and tear. Rubber is a very tough and durable material. We can put it under extreme stress by clamping it into a vice. When we open the vice we find the rubber returns to its original shape and is unmarked.

Question 5

What is meant by the compressive strength of a material?

Answer 5

Compressive strength is the ability of a material to withstand being crushed.

Question 6

What is meant by the torsional strength of a material?

Answer 6

Torsional strength is the ability to withstand twisting.