Properties of Materials

Question 1

What are the twelve key properties of materials?

Answer 1

1. Strength
2. Elasticity
3. Plasticity
4. Ductility
5. Tensile Strength
6. Malleability
7. Toughness
8. Hardness
9. Conductivity
10. Durability
11. Compressive Strength
12. Torsional Strength

Question 2

What is meant by the strength of a material?

Answer 2

Strength is the ability of a material to stand up to forces being applied without it bending, breaking, shattering or deforming in any way

Question 3

What is meant by the elasticity of a material?

Answer 3

Elasticity is the ability of a material to absorb force and flex in different directions, returning to its original position.

Question 4

What is meant by the plasticity of materials?

Answer 4

Plasticity is the ability of a material to be change in shape permanently. For instance aluminium can be melted and poured into a mould. When it has cooled it’s shape will retain the mould’s shape.

Question 5

What is meant by the ductility of materials?

Answer 5

Ductility is the ability of a material to change shape (deform) usually by stretching along its length. Lead is a metal that can be deformed in this way.

Question 6

What is meant by the tensile strength of a material?

Answer 6

Tensile strength is the ability of a material to stretch without breaking or snapping.

Question 7

What is meant by the malleability of a material?

Answer 7

Malleability is the ability of a material to be reshaped in all directions without cracking. By heating a piece of steel until it is red hot, it becomes malleable and can be reshaped with a forging hammer.

Question 8

What is meant by the toughness of a material?

Answer 8

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 9

What is meant by the hardness of a material?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is meant by the conductivity of a material?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What is meant by the durability of a material?

Answer 11

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 12

What is meant by the compressive strength of a material?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What is meant by the torsional strength of a material?

Answer 13

Torsional strength is the ability to withstand twisting.