Untitled Flashcard Set

Element

Building blocks of nature that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture where one substance dissolves in another.

Compound

A substance formed from two or more elements combined chemically.

Mixture

A combination of two or more pure substances, where each retains its own properties.

Thermoplastics

Polymers that can be softened and reshaped multiple times with heat.

Thermosets

Polymers that cannot be reshaped by heating once they are formed.

Strength

The ability of a material to withstand applied loads without failure.

Hardness

The ability of a material to resist scratching, abrasion or indentation.

Elasticity

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.

Stiffness

The resistance of a material to elastic deformation under load.

Plasticity

The ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation without rupture.

Malleability

The ability of a material to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

Ductility

The ability of a material to be drawn out into thin wire.

Electrical conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct electricity.

Valence electrons

Electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are involved in bonding.

Ionic Bonding

Chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Covalent Bonding

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Secondary Bonds

Weaker bonds such as van der Waals and hydrogen bonds.

Polymorphism

The ability of a single substance to exist in multiple forms or crystal structures.

BCC

Body-Centered Cubic; a type of crystal structure.

FCC

Face-Centered Cubic; a type of crystal structure.

HCP

Hexagonal Close Packed; a type of crystal structure.

Ferrous metals

Metals that contain iron as the primary constituent.

Non-ferrous metals

Metals that do not contain a significant amount of iron.

Aluminium

A low-density and corrosion-resistant metal, often alloyed for improved strength.

Casting

A forming process that involves heating a material and pouring it into a mold.

Rolling

A forming process where metal is shaped by passing it through rollers.

Extruding

A process where material is forced through a die to create long shapes.

Welding

A metallurgical joining process that fuses materials together through heat.

Mechanical Joining

The use of bolts, nuts, and screws to fasten materials together.

Polymers

Solid materials made up of long molecular chains, often organic in nature.

Ceramics

Hard, brittle materials often used for their high-temperature and abrasion resistance.

Composite materials

Materials made from two or more constituent materials to enhance properties.

Fiberglass

A composite material made from fine glass fibers and a thermosetting resin matrix.

Concrete

A composite material made from cement, sand, and aggregates.

Timber

A natural composite made up of cellulose fibers, held together by lignin.