Materials Flashcards
(37 cards)
What does it mean if a material is brittle?
It breaks or shatters easily without bending, like glass or ceramics.
Why are metals used in building structures?
They’re strong, malleable, ductile, and resistant to corrosion.
Why are metals like lithium used in batteries?
Because they can store chemical energy and release electrical energy.
Why are ceramics brittle?
Their crystal structure and strong bonds don’t let atoms shift, so they crack under stress.
What is casting in material science?
Pouring liquid material into a mold, then letting it cool and solidify.
What is a material?
A material is a substance or matter that things are made from, and it can be classified based on its properties (e.g., strength, flexibility, conductivity).
What are the main types of materials?
The main types of materials are metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
What are metals used for?
Metals are used for construction, wires, tools, jewelry, and machinery due to their strength, conductivity, and malleability.
What is malleability?
Malleability is the ability of a material to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. Metals like gold and aluminum are very malleable.
What is ductility?
Ductility is the ability of a material to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Copper and steel are examples of ductile materials.
What is elasticity?
Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Rubber and springs are examples of elastic materials.
What is hardness?
Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to scratching or indentation. Materials like diamond are extremely hard, while wood is relatively soft.
What is strength?
Strength is the ability of a material to withstand an applied force without breaking. Concrete and steel are known for their high strength.
What are polymers?
Polymers are materials made of long chains of repeating units (called monomers), and they can be synthetic (like plastic) or natural (like rubber or cotton).
What are ceramics?
Ceramics are materials that are made by heating and cooling substances, such as clay or silica, and are usually brittle but heat-resistant (e.g., bricks, glass, tiles).
What is the difference between conductors and insulators?
Conductors are materials that allow electricity or heat to pass through easily (e.g., copper), while insulators resist the flow of electricity or heat (e.g., rubber, wood).
What is the thermal conductivity of a material?
Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to transfer/conduct heat. Materials like metal have high thermal conductivity, while wood and plastic have low thermal conductivity.
What is elastic deformation?
Elastic deformation occurs when a material returns to its original shape after a force is removed.
What is plastic deformation?
Plastic deformation occurs when a material is permanently changed and doesn’t return to its original shape.
What is the Young’s Modulus?
The Young’s Modulus measures a material’s ability to resist deformation under stress, and is used to determine how stiff a material is. A higher value means the material is stiffer.
What is fracture toughness?
Fracture toughness is a material’s ability to resist cracking or breaking when under stress, particularly when flaws are present.
What is biodegradability in materials?
Biodegradability means a material can break down naturally over time by bacteria or other organisms.
Which materials are biodegradable?
Wood & Paper. They break down naturally.
Which material is non-biodegradable?
Plastic. It does not break down easily.
