3. Physical properties
Colour – light wave length
Specific heat – the heat required to r
aise the temperature of one gram of a s
ubstance by one degree centigrade (J/k
g K)
4. Density – mass per unit volume expresse
d in such units as kg/cm 3
D = m/v.
The mass of atoms, their size, and how th
ey are arranged determine the density of
a substance.
Objects with the same volume but differe
nt mass have different densities.
6. Thermal conductivity –rate at which heat flows t
hrough a given material (W/m K).
In other words it is the ability of the material to tra
nsfer heat through the process of conduction
7. Melting point – a temperature at which a solid begins
to liquify.
Boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which t
he vapour pressure of the liquid equals the pressure surrou
nding the liquidand the liquid changes into a vapour.
8. Electrical conductivity is the ability o
f electric current to flow through a mater
ial.
Conductors, such as copper, other metal
s have a high electrical conductivity and
therefore can easily have electrons pass t
hrough them.
10. Tensile strength – measures the force required to pull
something such as rope,wire or a structural beam to th
e point where it breaks
11. Ductility
A ductile substance can be drawn into a wire.
It is a physical property of a material associated with th
e ability to be stretched into wire without breaking
Examples: Most metals are good examples of ductile ma
terials, including gold, silver, copper, erbium, terbium, a
nd samarium.
12. Malleability is a substance's ability to deform under p
ressure (compressive stress).
If malleable, a material may be flattened into thin she
ets by hammering or rolling.
Examples of malleable metals are gold, iron, aluminu
m, copper, silver, and lead.
13. Brittleness
It is the ability of a material when subjected to stress, i
t breaks without significant plastic deformation
Brittle materials absorb relatively little energy prior to f
racture, even those of high strength.
14. Elasticity – The property of a material that re
turns to its original shape after removal of str
ess.
15. Plasticity -The property of a material that does no
t returns to its original shape after removal of stres
s.
16. Toughness – the ability of a material to absorb energy
and plastically deform without fracturing
17. Hardness – the property of being rigid and resistant t
o pressure; not easily scratched
18. machinability – the property of a material that can be
shaped by hammering, pressing, rolling
20. Chemical properties
corrosion resistance - a material's ability to resist det
erioration caused by exposure to an environment.
Errosion resistance – a material being erroded by
wind ,water or other natural agents.