Chapter 2: Exploring Diversity of Matter by Its Physical Properties

Vocabulary flashcards covering the classes of materials, physical properties of matter, measurement methods, and related scientific concepts.

Physical Properties

Qualities of a material that can be observed and measured without changing its composition.

Electrical Conductivity

A measure of how easily an electric current flows through a material.

Thermal Conductivity

A measure of how easily heat flows through a material.

Melting Point

The temperature at which a material changes from the solid state to the liquid state.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a material changes from the liquid state to the gaseous state.

Strength

The ability of a material to support a heavy load without changing its shape permanently.

Hardness

A material's resistance to wear and tear, and scratches.

Flexibility

The ability of a material to bend without breaking, and return to its initial shape and size after bending.

Density

The amount of matter an object has in proportion to its volume, calculated as $\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$.

Ceramic

A class of material made from clay that is hard, fragile, non-corrosive, has a high melting point, can be moulded into shapes, and is a poor conductor of electricity.

Metal

A class of material that is shiny, a good conductor of heat and electricity, can be moulded into shapes, and can be bent without breaking.

Glass

A class of material that is transparent, fragile, has a high melting point, can be moulded into shapes, and is a poor conductor of electricity and heat.

Plastics

A class of material that is lightweight, does not corrode, has a low melting point, can be moulded into shapes, and is a poor conductor of electricity and heat.

Fibres

A class of material that can be spun into threads and woven into fabrics, is able to absorb dyes, and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.

Civil Engineering

One of the oldest branches of engineering involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining physical infrastructure.

Plimsoll Line

A markings system on the sides of ships mandated to indicate maximum safe loading limits in different water conditions to prevent overloading.

Mass

The amount or quantity of matter in an object, measured in SI units of kilograms ($\text{kg}$).

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies, measured in SI units of cubic metres ($\text{m}^3$).

Digital Calipers

A measuring tool used to measure short lengths, internal diameters, external diameters, and depth with high precision.

Displacement Method

A procedure to determine the volume of an object by measuring the volume of liquid displaced when the object is fully submerged.

Mohs Scale

A scale used to compare and rate the relative hardness and scratch resistance of different materials.