Year 9 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 1

Why Materials Matter

Foundation Worksheet

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Date
Class

Learning Goals

Match each term to its definition

Draw a line connecting each term on the left to its correct definition on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each term.

TermYour answerDefinition
Material A. Choosing a material based on how well its properties match a product's function and requirements.
Property B. A characteristic describing how a substance reacts or changes composition (e.g. reactivity with oxygen).
Function C. A characteristic that can be measured without changing the substance's identity (e.g. hardness, density).
Physical property D. Any solid, liquid, or gas used to make objects or structures.
Chemical property E. A measurable characteristic of a material, such as hardness or density.
Material selection F. The purpose or job a material performs in a given application.

Fill the gap

Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete the passage. Each word is used once. Two words will not be used.

properties function trade-offs selection physical chemical candidates density colour

Engineers follow a systematic material process every time they design a product. The first step is to identify the what must the material do? Next, engineers list the required such as hardness, conductivity, or . They then compare against those requirements. Engineers must also consider : improving one property often reduces another. For example, adding carbon to steel increases hardness but reduces ductility. A material's characteristics can be either measured without changing the substance, or , which describe how the substance reacts with its environment.

1. Explain the difference between a physical property and a chemical property. Give one example of each.

Recall 2 marks

2. Why is it important that engineers consider a material's properties before choosing it for a product? Give one reason.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?