Comparing materials and their properties
I can compare the properties of glass, clay ceramics, polymers, composites, and metals; and explain how the properties of materials are related to their uses.
Comparing materials and their properties
I can compare the properties of glass, clay ceramics, polymers, composites, and metals; and explain how the properties of materials are related to their uses.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Production processes for industrial materials are under continuous development, with new materials discovered.
- Several factors direct a choice of materials: performance, production processes, cost, aesthetics, and others.
- Composites are mixtures of materials made up of a matrix and a reinforcement.
- Qualitative data describes properties, while quantitative data measures properties numerically.
Keywords
Material - A physical substance that things can be made from.
Composite - A mixture of materials (matrix and reinforcement), combined to produce a material with properties of both.
Matrix - In a composite material, it is the substance that binds the reinforcement material together.
Reinforcement - In a composite material, it is the substance that is bound together by the matrix material.
Quantitative data - Information that can be counted or measured, and given a numerical value.
Common misconception
Students often think: all glass types have the same properties and uses; polyethene types are identical in structure and use; and composites are simple mixtures (not engineered materials).
Clarify that soda-lime and borosilicate glass differ in production and use. Explain the distinct processes and uses of LDPE and HDPE. Describe how composites are engineered to achieve specific properties.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a mixture of two or more elements; at least one element is a metal
a hard, brittle, heat-resistant material
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
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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
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
