Physical properties

Electrical conductor

Allows the flow of electrical current through the material. A good conductor gives very little resistance to the flow of charge

Electrical insulator

Does not allow the flow of electricity through the material

Thermal conductor

Allows the transfer of heat energy through the material

Thermal insulator

Prevents the transfer of heat through the material

Thermal expansion

The increase in material volume in response to a heat input

Opaque

Prevents light from travelling through

Translucent

Allows light through but diffuses the light so that objects appear blurred

Transparent

Allows light to pass through easily which means you can see clearly through the material

Density

The mass of the material in a standard volume of space

Fusibility

The ability of the material to be fused or converted from a solid to a liquid or molten state usually by heat

Magnetism

The natural force between objects that causes the material to attract iron or steels

Corrosion/degradation resistance

The ability of the material to withstand environmental attack and decay