CAMBRIDGE SECONDARY ONE SCIENCE

CHAPTER 6: MATERIAL PROPERTIES

6.1 METALS

Materials are substance from which objects are made. There are many different metals. Metals are used to do lots of different jobs.

Properties of metals Shiny

Strong

Malleable (can be

hammered into shape) Ductile

(flexible)

Good conductors of heat and electricity

6.1 METALS

Iron is used for bridges because it is strong

Stainless steel does not rust and is strong so it is used to make

bicycle frames

6.1 METALS

Copper is used for electrical wiring because it conducts

electricity well and it is ductile

Gold is used to make jewellery because it is shiny

6.1 METALS

Most metals are solid at room temperature except for mercury which is liquid. Some metals are magnetic. Iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are magnetic.

6.2 NON-METALS

Non-metals are useful, often because their chemical reactions.

Properties of non-metals

Solid non-metals are brittle

Poor conductors of heat and electricity

Dull

Many are gases

Non-metals which are not gases have

low melting and boiling points

6.2 NON-METALS

Carbon is used to purify water Silicon is used to make computer chips

6.3 COMPARING METALS AND NON-METALS

Metals Non-metals Most are solids at room temperature Many are gases at room temperatureThey are shiny They are dullThey do not shatter They are brittle They are good conductor of heat They are poor conductor of heat They are good conductor of electricity

They are poor conductor of electricity

They are malleable They are not malleableThey are ductile They are not ductile

6.4 EVERYDAY MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

There are many different materials. Different materials have different properties. The use you make of a material depends on its properties.

6.4 EVERYDAY MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

Glass Glass is usually transparent. This property is good for windows. It is also useful to see the contents of jars and

bottles. Glass is waterproof. It does not react with the food or drink inside the jar or bottle.Glass is cheap to make and can be made in many shapes. It can be recycled.

6.4 EVERYDAY MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

Glass is heavy and can break easily. Some glass is treated so that it can be heated without breaking.

Glass products

6.4 EVERYDAY MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

PlasticPlastic can be transparent or opaque. Plastic can be moulded into many shapes.Plastic does not react with food or drink and can be used as containers for food and drink.Plastic may be affected by heat and may change shape.Some plastic can be recycled.

6.4 EVERYDAY MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

Plastic takes a very long time to break down and can cause pollution.

Plastic products