Smart materials

Question 1

Smart material

Answer 1

Reacts to changes in its environment

Question 2

Electroluminescent wire

Answer 2

Thin and Flexible
Glows brightly when an alternating current passes
Eg; glow bracelets, home decoration

Question 3

SMA (Shape memory alloy)

Answer 3

Changes shape in response to a change in temperature or electrical input
Also ‘remembers’ original shape
Eg; dental braces, aeroplane wing flaps

Question 4

Thermochromic pigment

Answer 4

Changes colour in response to temperature change

Eg; room thermometers, baby feeding spoons

Question 5

Phosphorent pigment

Answer 5

Absors light energy during the day and re-emits the light energy when dark
Eg; fire exit signs, night light

Question 6

Photochromic pigment

Answer 6

Changes colour with light intensity

Eg; welding goggles, reactive spectacle lenses

Question 7

Piezoelectric material

Answer 7

Gives off a small electrical charge when deformed and increases in size
Eg; airbag sensors, pressure sensors