Summary
Materials can be classified as natural or man-made, and they have various properties that determine their uses.
- Natural Materials — materials that come from plants or animals and were once alive. Example: Wood and rubber are natural materials.
- Man-Made Materials — materials that were never alive and are created by humans. Example: Glass, ceramics, and plastics are man-made materials.
- Strength — the ability of a material to be pulled without breaking or tearing. Example: Metal is strong.
- Flexibility — the ability of a material to bend without breaking. Example: Rubber is flexible.
- Transparency — the ability of a material to allow light to pass through. Example: Glass is transparent.
- Waterproof — the ability of a material to not absorb water. Example: Plastics are waterproof.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Natural Materials: Materials from plants or animals that were once alive.
- Man-Made Materials: Materials that were never alive and are created by humans.
- Strength: Ability to be pulled without breaking.
- Flexibility: Ability to bend without breaking.
- Transparency: Ability to allow light to pass through.
- Waterproof: Does not absorb water.
Common Confusions
- Confusing natural materials with man-made materials.
- Assuming all transparent materials are fragile.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is a natural material? A material that comes from plants or animals and was once alive.
- Give an example of a man-made material. Glass is a man-made material.
- What property does rubber have that makes it useful for making tires? Rubber is flexible.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to classify materials as natural or man-made.
- Understanding of material properties and their applications.
- Examples of materials and their uses based on properties.