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Physical Properties are those that refer to the actual matter that forms the material. These include:
Fusibility:
Fusibility:
the ability to change into a molten or liquid state when heated to a certain temperature.
Density:
Density:
defined as mass per unit volume.
Relative density is the ratio of the density of the substance to that of pure water at 4 degrees C.
Electrical conductivity:
Electrical conductivity:
all materials resist the flow of electricity to some extent but conductors offer very low resistance to the flow of electrical current.
Electrical Insulation:
Electrical Insulation:
these offer a high resistance to the flow electricity.
Semi-conductors:
Semi-conductors:
range between the two previous extremes and allow electric current to flow under certain conditions.
Thermal properties:
Thermal properties:
how a material reacts to heat such as expansion, conductivity and insulation.
Opacity:
Opacity:
How much light is allowed to pass through. A fully opaque
material will not allow light to pass through, while a semi opaque
material will allow some light through (see translucency).
Transparency:
Transparency:
The ability for light to fully pass through so that you
can see through the material e.g. glass.
Translucency:
Translucency:
The ability to transmit light through even if you cannot
actually see through the material e.g. thin paper.
Colour:
Colour:
We perceive colour by light bouncing off the surface of a material therefore this could be classed as an optical property.
Surface:
Surface:
How light bounces off a material gives an indication of how smooth or rough the surface of the material is.
Plasticity:
Plasticity:
The ability of a material to be permanently changed in shape by an external force without damage. Many materials display this property which is why plastic materials should be referred to as Polymers.
Malleability:
Malleability:
The ability to withstand deformation by compression.
Ductility:
Ductility:
The ability to be drawn out (stretched).
Aluminium is a good example of a ductile metal. Coke cans. Copper wires are another example.
Elasticity:
Elasticity:
The ability to flex and return to its normal shape when the force is
removed.
Toughness:
Toughness:
The ability to withstand a sudden impact. Can also refer to a materials ability to withstand bending.
Hardness:
Hardness:
The ability to withstand abrasive wear (indentation or scratching). Tool steel.
Corrosion resistant (sometimes called durability)
Corrosion resistant (sometimes called durability)
The ability of a material to withstand wear and tear as well as weathering and corrosion.
Stability:
Stability:
The ability to resist changes in shape and size due to its environment.
e.g. alluminium and titanium
Strength:
Strength:
The ability to withstand forces without breaking or being permanently deformed.
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