Materials Science Flashcards

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to materials science, including polymers, plastics, metals, and environmental issues related to waste management.

What is a polymer?

A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating structural units called monomers.

What are synthetic materials?

Synthetic materials are man-made substances created from chemical processes.

What is the process of joining monomers to form polymers called?

The process is called polymerisation.

Give an example of a natural polymer.

Silk, cotton, or wool.

What does biodegradable mean?

A biodegradable material can break down naturally by the action of microorganisms.

What are thermosoftening plastics?

Plastics that can be melted and reshaped, such as polyethene and PVC.

What are thermosetting plastics?

Plastics that cannot be melted and reshaped, such as those used for electrical sockets.

What gases can be produced by burning plastics?

Carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen cyanide.

Why is plastic considered non-biodegradable?

Because it does not break down naturally and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

What are the advantages of recycling metals?

Recycling metals saves resources, energy, and money.

What is an alloy?

An alloy is a mixture of metals or a mixture of metals and non-metals.

What is the relationship between metals and the periodic table?

Metals are located to the left of the stepped line in the periodic table.

What is the melting point of sodium?

The melting point of sodium is 98°C.

Describe the physical properties of metals.

Metals are generally hard, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

What is the significance of recycling plastics?

Recycling plastics reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental impact.

How are differences in properties utilized in alloys?

Alloys are engineered to have specific properties beneficial for their applications, such as strength or corrosion resistance.

What are the two main groups of plastics?

Thermosoftening and thermosetting plastics.

What is meant by the term 'reduce' in the context of waste management?

Reducing means decreasing the amount of waste generated by using or buying less.

What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for?

PVC is used for making windows and guttering.

Which metal is liquid at room temperature?

Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.