Physical Description of Examples of materials with such

Properties Properties properties

Density Mass per unit volume Gases have low densities. Hydrogen and
of a substance helium are the lightest gas. Mercury and
gold are very dense.
Melting point The temperature at Ice has a melting point of 0°C. Melting
which a substance point of aluminum is 660°C and that of
melts (change from iron is 1535°C.
solid to liquid state)
Electrical Ability to conduct Metals are good conductors of electricity.
conductivity electricity (let electric Examples are silver and copper. Carbon, a
current pass non-metal also conducts electricity. Many
through). non-metals, like wood, air and plastic are
insulators (do not conduct electricity).
Thermal Ability to conduct Metals are good conductors of heat.
Conductivity heat. Examples are aluminum, iron, zinc and
copper. Non-metals like wool, air, plastic
and wood are insulators
Solubility How well a substance Many substances like salt, sugar, carbon
dissolves in another dioxide and oxygen can dissolve in water.
substance. Solubility Others like oil, grease, paint and ink are
depends on soluble in solvents like alcohol, petrol and
temperature (usually, turpentine.
solubility of solid
increases but
solubility of gases
decreases with
increase in
temperature).
Strength How strong a Pure metals are not as strong as alloys
substance is – how which are mixtures of 2 or more metals,
much force can be and non-metals. Example, steel-an alloy of
applied without iron and carbon is stronger than pure iron.
breaking the Duralumin, an alloy of aluminum with
material. copper and some other metals is much
stronger than pure aluminum.
Hardness How hard a Diamond, a form of carbon is the hardest
substance is – the known mineral. Brass (alloy of copper and
difficulty of zinc) and bronze (alloy of copper and tin)
scratching a are much harder than copper. Talc, plastic
material. and graphite (another form of carbon) are
soft materials.
Elasticity The tendency of a Rubber is more elastic compared to metals
substance to return like steel and copper. Cork and plasticine
to its original shape are inelastic
or size after being
distorted.
Flexibility The ease of changing Rubber and plastic strings are easier to
the shape of an stretch than steel or copper wires.
 object.
Transparenc Whether a substance Water, glass, air and some plastics are
y allows light to pass transparent (allow light to pass through).
through. Wood, metals and concrete are opaque (do
not allow light to pass through) and tracing
paper is translucent (allows some light to
pass through.

Physical Uses
Properties
Density Helium, a very light gas, is used for filling balloons, Duralumin,
an alloy of aluminum with some other metals, is used for making
airplanes because of its strength and low density (light weight)
compared to steel which is denser.
Melting Point Metals like aluminum and steel are used for making cooking
utensils because of their high melting points and high thermal
conductivities.
Electrical Copper is used in electrical wiring and insulators like plastics are
conductivity used to cover plugs and switches to prevent electric shock.
Thermal Good conductors like aluminum and steel are used in cooking
conductivity utensils and thermostats. Insulators like wool are used to make
clothing and blankets to keep our bodies warm.
Solubility The oxygen dissolved in water enables water life to breathe.
Turpentine is used for removing paint is soluble in turpentine.
Strength Steel is used for making machine parts and ships. Duralumin,
which is light and strong is used for making aircraft.
Hardness Diamond is used for making cutting and grinding tools as it is
extremely hard. Graphite and talc are used as lubricants due to
their softness.
Elasticity Rubber is used in making rubber bands and tires.
Flexibility Rubber is used for making balloons.
Transparency Lenses, used in spectacles and optical instruments like cameras,
telescopes and microscopes are made of glass and plastic.
Windows and doors are made of opaque materials to give privacy.