A physical substance that things can be made from.

A mixture of materials (matrix and reinforcement), combined to produce a material with properties of both.

In a composite material, it is the substance that binds the reinforcement material together.

In a composite material, it is the substance that is bound together by the matrix material.

Information that can be counted or measured, and given a numerical value.

Comparing materials and their properties

Chemistry

In the Rates and energy changes unit, pupils learned about how energy changes are always involved in reaction, along with a range of methods for measuring and comparing rates of reaction using properties of reactants and/or products.

Industrial chemistry

materials combined to produce materials with improved properties

a physical substance that things can be made from

in composite: substance that binds reinforcement material together

information that can be counted or measured, and given numerical value

in composite: substance bound together by the matrix material

Match these key terms to the correct definitions.

Soda-lime glass is made from readily available materials. Borosilicate glass requires rarer compounds but its {{}} property makes it possible to use in high heat applications such as lab glassware.

carbon fibre is more corrosion resistant than aluminium

carbon fibre is more malleable than aluminium

Considering performance, sustainability or aesthetics can lead to discovery of new materials. Composites are typically more expensive than aluminium. What makes carbon fibre better for aircraft wings?

Quantitative data is essential for precise comparisons and decision-making in material selection. Which of the following properties can provide quantitative data for this?

ability of material to withstand pushing force without being squashed

non-numerical information describing properties e.g. texture or colour

 numerical information of measurable properties e.g. time or distance

ability of material to withstand pulling force without stretching

ability of material to absorb shock without breaking

Match these terms to the correct descriptions.

Thermosoftening polymers can be reheated, melted and reshaped multiple times due to their linear chain structure. Thermosetting polymers decompose instead of melting because of their {{}}.

a mixture of two or more elements; at least one element is a metal

made from at least two types of materials, with improved properties

makes up everything around us; can be natural or human-made

shiny, hard material that is good thermal and electrical conductor

long chained molecules formed by joining together monomers

Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

Which picture shows a model of a branched polymer?

Which picture shows a model of a polymer with plasticisers?

In polymers, forces of attraction are the same as chemical bonds.

In polymers, forces of attraction are weaker than cross–links.

In polymers, forces of attraction are weakened by plasticisers.

In polymers, forces of attraction are weakened by branches.

A chemical bond is a strong force that holds atoms together in a compound. A chemical bond takes a lot of energy to overcome and break.
Which of the following statements are correct?

By stretching the concrete to see if it stretches significantly.

By applying pressure to see if the concrete squashes or deforms easily.

By checking if the concrete cracks under stress.

By observing if the concrete has a uniform texture.

A practical method for scientists to determine the physical properties of materials is by conducting tests. How can you distinguish between plain and reinforced concrete if the pieces look similar?

Which picture shows a model of a cross-linked polymer?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Comparing materials and their properties

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.