PD GCSE Year 11

Question 1

mechanical properties

Answer 1

Properties associated with how a material reacts to external forces.

Question 2

strength

Answer 2

The ability of a material to withstand a force without breaking or bending permanently.

Question 3

compressive strength

Answer 3

The ability of a material to withstand a ‘squashing’ force.

Question 4

tensile strength

Answer 4

The ability of a material to withstand a pulling/stretching force.

Question 5

malleability

Answer 5

The ability of a material to permanently change shape by being pressed or rolled.

Question 6

elasticity

Answer 6

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after it has been deformed.

Question 7

plasticity

Answer 7

The ability of a material to change shape permanently without cracking or breaking.

Question 8

ductility

Answer 8

The ability of a material to permanently change shape by being

Question 9

hardness

Answer 9

The ability of a material to withstand scratching, cutting or denting.

Question 10

toughness

Answer 10

The ability of a material to withstand sudden shock, without breaking or denting.

Question 11

brittleness

Answer 11

When a material cannot absorb energy resulting in the material breaking into pieces - opposite to toughness.

Question 12

durability

Answer 12

The ability of a material to withstand wear, tear and weathering (deterioration).

Question 13

stiffness

Answer 13

The ability of a material to resist bending.

Question 14

stability

Answer 14

The ability of a material to resist changes in shape over time.

Question 15

physical properties

Answer 15

Properties associated with the appearance & structure of a material.

Question 16

density

Answer 16

The compactness of a material.

Question 17

transparency

Answer 17

The amount of light transmitted through materials.

Question 18

thermal conductivity

Answer 18

The ability of a material to allow heat to flow through it.

Question 19

electrical conductivity

Answer 19

The ability of a material to allow electricity to flow through it.

Question 20

non toxic

Answer 20

Not poisonous.

Question 21

water resistant

Answer 21

The ability of a material to resist ta liquid passing through it to some degree.

Question 22

waterproof

Answer 22

The ability of a material to completely resit a liquid passing through it.

Question 23

synthetic polymers

Answer 23

Synthetic material mostly made from oil – usually called plastic.

Question 24

thermosetting polymer

Answer 24

a polymer (plastic) that cannot be reshaped by heating – non-recyclable.

Question 25

thermoforming polymer

Answer 25

Polymers/plastics that can be reshaped by the application of heat – can be recycled into other products.

Question 26

acrylic

Answer 26

A type of plastic made from acrylic acid.

Question 27

ferrous metals

Answer 27

Metals that contain iron & are magnetic.

Question 28

non- ferrous

Answer 28

Metals that do not contain iron & are not magnetic.

Question 29

alloys

Answer 29

Metals that contain two or more elements.

Question 30

corrosion

Answer 30

The deterioration of a metal due to its environment.