Material Selection - Physical Properties

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the physical properties of materials and their selection.

Density

The amount of matter (mass) in an object per unit of space occupied (volume).

Relative Density

A ratio calculated by comparing the density of a material with pure water at a temperature of 4°C.

Electrical Conductivity

The movement of electricity through a piece of material, indicating how conductive it is.

Insulators

Materials that resist the flow of electric current, such as wood, ceramics, and many plastics.

Thermal Conductivity

The movement of heat through a material, involving transfer of energy within a material without motion of the material as a whole.

Conduction

The transfer of heat energy within a solid material when a temperature gradient exists.

Insulating Value

A measure of a material's ability to prevent heat gain or loss; materials with high insulating values have low conducting values.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in length of a material as a result of heat; related to thermal conductivity.

Polystyrene

A material used in modern building to keep warm air inside and cold air outside, often pumped into wall cavities.

Conductive Heat Flow

Heat transfer that occurs in the direction of decreasing temperature due to higher molecular energy at higher temperatures.