Properties

Question 1

define strength (working property)

Answer 1

ability to withstand forces (pulling/bending/compression etc.) without breaking

Question 2

define hardness (working property)

Answer 2

ability to withstand scratching, abrasion, denting
important for cutting tools eg. drills

Question 3

define toughness (working property)

Answer 3

how well a material resists breaking/snapping
will change shape slightly instead
needed for armour/ bulletproof vests

Question 4

define elasticity (working property)

Answer 4

ability for a material to stretch/bend then return to original shape

Question 5

define malleability (working property)

Answer 5

ability to be bent+shaped without breaking
most metals are malleable - hammered into shape/sheets without breaking

Question 6

define ductility (working property)

Answer 6

ability to be drawn into wires

Question 7

define electrical/thermal conductivity (physical property)

Answer 7

let electricity/heat pass through them
metal wires used to conduct both

-> electrical wires must be electric conductors but plastic coating must be insulating
-> cooking pans must be thermal conductors but handles must be insulating

Question 8

define fusibility (physical property)

Answer 8

high fusibility means low melting points - only small amount of heating required
eg. solder - melts first/quicker

Question 9

define absorbency (physical property)

Answer 9

ability to soak up moisture, eg. paper towels
absorbent materials can be dyed easily, but dry slower
natural fibres (wool, cotton, cellulose) are absorbent
synthetic fibres (polyester) are not absorbent

Question 10

properties of metals

Answer 10

• strong
• malleable
• thermal+electrical conductors
• not very fusible - high melting points
• ductile

Question 11

properties of non-metals

Answer 11

• brittle (not tough)
• poor conductors
• less dense (so lighter)
• dull