1. What Are Material Properties?
  • Materials have different physical and chemical properties that determine how they behave in different conditions.
  • These properties affect how materials are used in daily life, industry, and science.
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2. Key Properties of Materials1. Solubility
  • Definition: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a liquid (solvent).
  • Soluble substances dissolve (e.g., sugar in water).
  • Insoluble substances do not dissolve (e.g., sand in water).
  • Factors affecting solubility:
    • Temperature: Higher temperatures usually increase solubility.
    • Type of solvent: Some substances dissolve in water, others in oil or alcohol.
2. Conductivity
  • Definition: The ability of a material to conduct heat or electricity.
  • Electrical conductors: Metals (e.g., copper, aluminium) allow electricity to flow.
  • Electrical insulators: Non-metals (e.g., rubber, plastic) block electricity.
  • Thermal conductivity:
    • Metals conduct heat well (e.g., iron, aluminium).
    • Insulators trap heat (e.g., wood, wool).
3. Melting Point
  • Definition: The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
  • Examples:
    • Ice melts at 0°C.
    • Gold melts at 1,064°C.
  • High melting points: Metals and ceramics.
  • Low melting points: Wax and plastic.
4. Boiling Point
  • Definition: The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas.
  • Examples:
    • Water boils at 100°C.
    • Ethanol boils at 78°C.
  • Factors affecting boiling point:
    • Atmospheric pressure: Water boils at lower temperatures at high altitudes.
    • Strength of forces between molecules: Stronger bonds = higher boiling point.

3. Why Are Material Properties Important?
  • Engineering: Choosing materials for buildings, bridges, and machines.
  • Medicine: Using biocompatible materials for implants.
  • Cooking: Understanding how heat affects food ingredients.
  • Electronics: Selecting conductive materials for wiring and circuits.

4. Summary
  • Solubility: Determines if a substance dissolves in a solvent.
  • Conductivity: Measures the ability to transfer heat or electricity.
  • Melting Point: Temperature where a solid becomes a liquid.
  • Boiling Point: Temperature where a liquid turns into gas.
  • These properties help scientists and engineers choose materials for different applications.