material
Definition
In science, a material is anything that has mass and takes up space. Materials can be found all around us, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some common materials include wood, metal, plastic, and glass.
Materials are made up of atoms, which are the smallest units of matter. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The properties of a material depend on the type of atoms that make it up and how the atoms are arranged.
Materials can be classified into different categories based on their physical properties. Some common categories of materials include solids, liquids, and gases. Solids have a definite shape and volume, liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape, and gases have no definite shape or volume.
Materials can also be classified based on their chemical properties. Some common categories of materials include metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, nonmetals are not good conductors of heat and electricity, and metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals.
How can the word be used?
The dress is made of silk material.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- A substance or matter from which something is or can be made.
- The essential or important part of something.
Adjective:
- Relating to or consisting of matter.
- Important or essential.
Verb:
- To provide with material.
Etymology
The word "material" comes from the Latin word "materia", which means "matter".
The word "material" was first used in English in the 13th century. It was originally used to describe a substance or matter from which something was made, but it soon came to be used in a more general sense to describe anything that was essential or important.
Question
What is a material?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of materials and their classification based on their properties. Provide examples of different types of materials and how their properties make them suitable for specific applications.
Answer:
Materials are substances used to create objects or structures, ranging from everyday items to advanced technologies. They can be classified into three main categories: metals, polymers, and ceramics, based on their inherent properties and atomic structures.
Metals, such as iron and aluminium, are known for their strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity. These properties make them suitable for applications like construction, electrical wiring, and transportation.
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits. Plastics and rubber fall into this category. Their lightweight nature, flexibility, and insulating properties make them essential for packaging, textiles, and even medical devices.
Ceramics, like glass and pottery, are known for their hardness and resistance to high temperatures. These materials are commonly used in construction, electronics, and cookware due to their durability and thermal properties.
Each material's properties dictate its use. For example, steel's strength makes it ideal for skyscrapers, while the insulating properties of rubber are crucial in electrical cables. Materials science involves designing new materials with specific properties to meet evolving technological needs, like carbon-fibre composites used in aerospace for their lightweight and strong nature. In essence, materials are the building blocks of our modern world, shaping our environment and enabling technological advancement.