Properties

Question 1

Strength

Answer 1

Ability to withstand forces without breaking

Question 2

Hardness

Answer 2

Ability to withstand scratching abrasion and denting, useful for tools that cut

Question 3

Toughness

Answer 3

A material that is hard to break or snap, needed in armour and bulletproof vests

Question 4

Elasticity

Answer 4

Ability to stretch and bend then return to its original shape

Question 4

Malleability

Answer 4

Materials that can be bent and shaped, metals are malleable because they can be hammered into thin sheets

Question 5

Ductility

Answer 5

Materials that can be drawn into wire, like copper

Question 6

Electrical conductivity

Answer 6

Electrical conductors allow electricity to travel through them

Question 7

Thermal conductivity

Answer 7

Thermal conductors allow heat to travel through them whereas insulators do not

Question 8

Fusibility

Answer 8

High fusibility materials have low melting points such as solder

Question 9

Density

Answer 9

A measure of a material’s mass per unit volume measured in kg/cm cubed

Question 10

Absorbency

Answer 10

Fibres and fabrics that are absorbent can soak up moisture and be dyed/ stained easily and take longer to dry

Question 11

Alloys

Answer 11

A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal mixed with other elements. They are developed to have a specific set of properties

Question 12

Brittleness

Answer 12

Tendency to fracture or shatter when subjected to stress without much deformation

Question 13

Opacity and transparency

Answer 13

Ability to block or allow the passage of light

Question 14

Colour

Answer 14

Visual perception of different wavelengths of light

Question 15

Tensile strength

Answer 15

Maximum strength a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled

Question 16

Compressive strength

Answer 16

Maximum stress a material can withstand while being compressed or squashed, such as pillars

Question 17

Fatigue strength

Answer 17

Ability to withstand repeated loading and unloading cycles, such as pushing a steel rod forwards and backwards until it breaks

Question 18

Shear strength

Answer 18

Maximum stress a material can withstand while being subjected to opposing forces

Question 19

Impact strength/ toughness

Answer 19

Ability to absorb energy and deform plastically without fracturing when subjecting to an impact

Question 20

Stiffness

Answer 20

Resistance of a material to deformation under an applied force

Question 20

Abrasion resistance

Answer 20

Resistance to wearing or rubbing away by friction

Question 21

Creep resistance

Answer 21

Ability to resist deformation under long-term constant load

Question 22

Friction resistance

Answer 22

Resistance to motion of one object relative to another