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Materials Science Practice Sheet
Introduction
Materials Science is the study of the properties and behavior of materials. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves the application of principles from chemistry, physics, engineering, and other sciences. It is used to create new materials and to improve existing ones.
Basics
What is the difference between a material and a substance?
A material is a combination of multiple substances, while a substance is a single type of matter that is composed of only one type of atom or molecule.
What are the three main categories of materials?
The three main categories of materials are metals, ceramics, and polymers.
What is a property of a material?
A property of a material is a characteristic that can be measured or observed. Examples of properties include color, density, hardness, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
What is the difference between a physical and a chemical property?
A physical property is a characteristic that can be observed or measured without changing the material's chemical composition, while a chemical property is a characteristic that can only be observed or measured when the material's chemical composition is changed.
Practice Questions
What is the difference between a metal and a ceramic?
A metal is a type of material that is composed of metallic elements, while a ceramic is a type of material that is composed of non-metallic elements.
What is a polymer?
A polymer is a type of material that is composed of repeating molecules. Polymers can be natural or synthetic.
What is the difference between a crystalline and an amorphous material?
A crystalline material has an ordered atomic structure, while an amorphous material has an unordered atomic structure.
What is the difference between a ductile and a brittle material?
A ductile material can be stretched or bent without breaking, while a brittle material will break when it is stretched or bent.
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it, while an insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to flow through it.
