Materials and their uses

• What is essential for a material to be useful?

  It needs to be fit for purpose
• Why is it important to understand why a certain material is used?

  To know its properties and suitability
• What material might be chosen for a kettle instead of chocolate?

  A kettle made of melamine
• What are the different materials suited to different jobs?

  • Materials are chosen based on their properties
  • Properties include strength, flexibility, and durability
  • Suitability depends on the intended use
• What might exam questions ask about materials?

  To interpret information about their properties
• What are polymers known for in terms of flexibility?

  They are often flexible and adaptable
• How can polymers be shaped without breaking?

  They can be bent easily without breaking
• What is a common characteristic of polymers compared to other materials?

  They are often cheaper than most materials
• What is a property of polymers regarding mass?

  They tend to have a low mass
• What are polymers used for in terms of insulation?

  They are thermal and electrical insulators
• How do polymers degrade over time?

  They can degrade and break down over time
• What is a common use of ceramics?

  They are used as thermal insulators
• How do ceramics compare to polymers in terms of brittleness?

  They are much more brittle than polymers
• What is a key property of metals?

  They are good conductors of heat and electricity
• What is a disadvantage of metals compared to polymers?

  They can corrode over time
• What is a benefit of using glass in windows?

  It lasts longer than clear plastic
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different materials?

  Advantages:

  • Polymers: Flexible, low mass, cheap
  • Ceramics: Strong, heat-resistant
  • Metals: Good conductors, durable

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Polymers: Can degrade over time
  • Ceramics: Brittle, less flexible
  • Metals: Prone to corrosion
• Why do we still use glass in windows?

  It lasts longer than clear plastic
• What is a characteristic of metals regarding their shape?

  They can be formed into various shapes
• How do metals compare to polymers in terms of durability?

  They tend to last longer than polymers
• How do the properties of materials influence their applications?

  Properties determine suitability for specific uses
• What are conductors of heat and electricity?

  Materials that allow heat and electricity to flow
• What determines if a material is an advantage or disadvantage as a conductor?

  It depends on the material's intended use
• What type of materials can be formed into a variety of shapes?

  Malable materials like metals
• What happens to some metals when they corrode?

  They corrode easily and lose integrity
• What is a characteristic of corrosion-resistant metals?

  They can last for a very long time
• How do metals compare in brittleness to ceramics and polymers?

  Metals are usually less brittle than ceramics
• What is a disadvantage of composites compared to other materials?

  They tend to be much more expensive to produce
• What can the combination of component materials in composites achieve?

  Specific properties for a particular purpose
• What is the main disadvantage of composites?

  They tend to be much more expensive to produce
• What is essential for interpreting information about materials?

  Understanding the properties of materials
• What should you assess to determine the suitability of materials for different uses?

  Their suitability for different applications
• What are the properties of materials that affect their use?

  • Density
  • Strength
  • Cost
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Malleability
  • Brittleness
• What is the density of steel?

  7.8 g/cm³
• What is the density of poly(propene)?

  0.94 g/cm³
• What is the significance of the strength of materials?

  It determines their ability to withstand forces
• Why is it important to choose the right material for a fencing sword?

  It needs to be strong and lightweight
• How should a company decide which material to use for a fencing sword?

  By analyzing the data from the table
• What factors should be considered when selecting materials for a project?

  • Density
  • Strength
  • Cost
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Malleability
  • Brittleness
• What is the strength of steel?

  780 MPa