Metals & Materials

Alkane

A hydrocarbon with only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Alloy

A mixture of a metal with other elements.

Biodegradable

Able to be broken down by living organisms.

Chemical properties

Properties that describe how a substance reacts with other substances.

Corrosion

The reaction of a metal with substances in the environment (e.g. oxygen and water).

Ductile

Can be drawn into wires.

Electrical conductor

Material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.

Hydrocarbon

Compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon.

Lustre

Shiny appearance.

Malleable

Can be hammered into shape.

Monomer

Small molecule that joins together to make a polymer.

Organic chemistry

The study of carbon-based compounds.

Oxidation

Reaction involving the gain of oxygen (or loss of electrons).

Physical properties

Properties that can be observed without changing the substance (e.g. melting point, density).

Plastics

Materials made from long-chain polymers.

Poly(e)thene

A common plastic made from the monomer ethene.

Polymer

Long chain molecule made by joining many monomers.

Reactivity series

A list of metals arranged in order of how reactive they are.

Recycle

To process used materials so they can be used again.

Rust

The product formed when iron corrodes (hydrated iron oxide).

Sonorous

Makes a ringing sound when hit.

Thermal conductor

Material that allows heat to pass through it easily.

Thermoplastic

Plastic that can be melted and reshaped.

Thermosetting

Plastic that cannot be melted once it has set hard.