New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

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.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Production processes for industrial materials are under continuous development, with new materials discovered.
  2. Several factors direct a choice of materials: performance, production processes, cost, aesthetics, and others.
  3. Composites are mixtures of materials made up of a matrix and a reinforcement.
  4. 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.

Use diverse, real-life examples to differentiate materials, reinforcing their unique properties and applications to make the lesson more relatable and memorable.
Teacher tip

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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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to the correct definitions.
Correct Answer:alloy,a mixture of two or more elements; at least one element is a metal

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

Correct Answer:ceramic,a hard, brittle, heat-resistant material

a hard, brittle, heat-resistant material

Correct Answer:composite,made from at least two types of materials, with improved properties

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

Correct Answer:material,makes up everything around us; can be natural or human-made

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

Correct Answer:metal,shiny, hard material that is good thermal and electrical conductor

shiny, hard material that is good thermal and electrical conductor

Correct Answer:polymer,long chained molecules formed by joining together monomers

long chained molecules formed by joining together monomers

Q2.
Which picture shows a model of a branched polymer?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q3.
Which picture shows a model of a polymer with plasticisers?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q4.
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?
In polymers, forces of attraction are the same as chemical bonds.
Correct answer: In polymers, forces of attraction are weaker than cross–links.
Correct answer: In polymers, forces of attraction are weakened by plasticisers.
Correct answer: In polymers, forces of attraction are weakened by branches.
Q5.
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?
By stretching the concrete to see if it stretches significantly.
Correct answer: 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.
Q6.
Which picture shows a model of a cross-linked polymer?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match these key terms to the correct definitions.
Correct Answer:composite,materials combined to produce materials with improved properties

materials combined to produce materials with improved properties

Correct Answer:material,a physical substance that things can be made from

a physical substance that things can be made from

Correct Answer:matrix,in composite: substance that binds reinforcement material together

in composite: substance that binds reinforcement material together

Correct Answer:quantitative data,information that can be counted or measured, and given numerical value

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

Correct Answer:reinforcement,in composite: substance bound together by the matrix material

in composite: substance bound together by the matrix material

Q2.
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.
Correct Answer: heat-resistant, heat-resistance, heat resistant, heat resistance
Q3.
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?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: carbon fibre is lighter than aluminium
Correct answer: carbon fibre is more corrosion resistant than aluminium
carbon fibre is more malleable than aluminium
carbon fibre is shinier than aluminium
Correct answer: carbon fibre is stronger than aluminium
Q4.
Quantitative data is essential for precise comparisons and decision-making in material selection. Which of the following properties can provide quantitative data for this?
colour
Correct answer: cost
Correct answer: density
Correct answer: heat-resistance
Correct answer: tensile strength
Q5.
Match these terms to the correct descriptions.
Correct Answer:compressive strength,ability of material to withstand pushing force without being squashed

ability of material to withstand pushing force without being squashed

Correct Answer:qualitative data,non-numerical information describing properties e.g. texture or colour

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

Correct Answer:quantitative data, numerical information of measurable properties e.g. time or distance

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

Correct Answer:tensile strength,ability of material to withstand pulling force without stretching

ability of material to withstand pulling force without stretching

Correct Answer:toughness,ability of material to absorb shock without breaking

ability of material to absorb shock without breaking

Q6.
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 .
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: cross-linked chains, cross-links, cross-linked chain structure, cross linked chains, cross links