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Common Materials Properties

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Common Materials Properties

Harper, Omar and Kirra are checking equipment on a reef research boat. Use evidence about material properties to solve each task. For questions about conductivity, distinguish between a solid and a substance dissolved in water.

Work out the material types

Choose the best answer. Each question includes enough information to decide.

1.A solid sample conducts electricity, can be drawn into a thin wire and can be hammered into a new shape. Which type of substance is it most likely to be?
  • Metallic
  • Ionic
  • Simple covalent
2.An unknown crystal does not conduct electricity as a solid. When dissolved in water, its solution conducts. What best explains this result?
  • The dissolved ions can move and carry charge.
  • The crystal has turned into a metal.
  • The particles have stopped moving.
3.A pure substance has a low melting point and does not conduct electricity. Which description is the best match?
  • A typical simple covalent substance
  • A typical metal
  • An ionic compound in solid form

Properties at a glance

Use the comparison table to answer questions 4–6. These are typical patterns; individual substances can vary.

Substance type

Conductivity as a solid

Other typical properties

Metallic

Usually conducts

Often shiny, malleable and ductile

Ionic

Does not usually conduct; conducts when molten or dissolved in water

Often brittle; usually high melting point

Simple covalent

Usually does not conduct

Often low melting point; may be a gas, liquid or soft solid

4.Which substance type in the table is usually brittle and has a high melting point?
5.Omar says, “An ionic solid conducts because its ions can move freely.” Use the table to correct his explanation.
6.Match each property with its meaning: ductile; malleable; brittle; solubility.
  • Can be drawn into a wire
  • Can be hammered or pressed into shape
  • Tends to break rather than bend
  • Ability to dissolve in a solvent
  • Malleable
  • Solubility
  • Brittle
  • Ductile

Choose materials for the boat

Apply the properties to the research team’s equipment.

7.Harper needs a material for a wire that can carry current and be shaped into a long, thin strand. Name two useful properties and explain why they matter.
8.Kirra tests three materials. Sample A is shiny, conducts as a solid and bends without breaking. Sample B is a brittle crystal that does not conduct as a solid but conducts when dissolved. Sample C does not conduct and melts at a low temperature. Identify the most likely substance type for A, B and C.
9.Omar proposes using a metal for the boat’s electrical cable and an ionic crystal for a flexible cable covering. Explain one reason the metal is suitable and one reason the ionic crystal is unsuitable for the covering.
10.True or false: A high melting point by itself proves that a substance is metallic. Explain your choice using one other substance type.

3 printable pages

  • Common Materials Properties, page 1 of 3: Work out the material types, Properties at a glance

    Page 1

  • Common Materials Properties, page 2 of 3: Choose materials for the boat

    Page 2

  • Common Materials Properties, page 3 of 3: 8. Kirra tests three materials. Sample A is shiny, conducts as a solid and bends without…

    Page 3

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