Comparing materials and their properties | Chemistry | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

alloy

⇔

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

ceramic

⇔

a hard, brittle, heat-resistant material ✓

composite

⇔

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

material

⇔

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

metal

⇔

shiny, hard material that is good thermal and electrical conductor ✓

polymer

⇔

long chained molecules formed by joining together monomers ✓
Which picture shows a model of a branched polymer?
Which picture shows a model of a polymer with plasticisers?
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.

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 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.

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

Exit quiz

Match these key terms to the correct definitions.

composite

⇔

materials combined to produce materials with improved properties ✓

material

⇔

a physical substance that things can be made from ✓

matrix

⇔

in composite: substance that binds reinforcement material together ✓

quantitative data

⇔

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

reinforcement

⇔

in composite: substance bound together by the matrix material ✓
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.

'heat-resistant' ✓
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?

carbon fibre is lighter than aluminium ✓

carbon fibre is more corrosion resistant than aluminium ✓

carbon fibre is more malleable than aluminium

carbon fibre is shinier than aluminium

carbon fibre is stronger than aluminium ✓
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

cost ✓

density ✓

heat-resistance ✓

tensile strength ✓
Match these terms to the correct descriptions.

compressive strength

⇔

ability of material to withstand pushing force without being squashed ✓

qualitative data

⇔

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

quantitative data

⇔

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

tensile strength

⇔

ability of material to withstand pulling force without stretching ✓

toughness

⇔

ability of material to absorb shock without breaking ✓
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 ______.

'cross-linked chains' ✓

Worksheet

Loading worksheet ...

Presentation

Loading presentation ...

Video

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.

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.

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.