Physical Properties Flashcards
Density
The mass of the material in a standardised volume of space
Fusibility
The ability of the material to be fused or converted from a solid to a liquid or molten state, usually by heat
Essential property of a metal used for casting
Magnetism
The natural force between objects that causes the material to attract iron or steels
Corrosion/degradation resistance
The ability of the material to withstand environmental attack and decay
Physical properties
Properties associated with the actual make-up or structure of the material
Thermal expansion
The increase in material volume in response to a heat input
Thermal conductor
Allows the transfer of heat through the material
High thermal conductivity = fast transfer of heat
Thermal insulator
Prevents the transfer of heat through the material
Electrical conductor
Allows the flow of electrical current through the material
Good conductors give very little resistance to the flow of charge
Electrical insulator
Doesn’t allow the flow of electricity through the material
Opaque
Prevents light from travelling through
Translucent
allows light through but diffuses the light so that the object appears blurred
E.g. Frosted glass
Transparent
Allows light to pass through easily
You can see clearly through the material
Physical properties examples
Density Fusibility Magnetism Corrosion resistance Thermal expansion Thermal conductor/insulator Electrical conductor/insulator Opaque Transparent Translucent
