Metals and Their Applications

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes metals from non-metals?

Which of the following properties is typical of non-metals?

What is the term for the ability of a material to be formed into a variety of shapes by hammering or rolling?

Which of the following is an example of a non-metal?

What is the term for the ability of a material to be stretched, drawn, or hammered thin without breaking?

Which of the following metals is a liquid at room temperature?

What is the term for the ability of a material to transfer heat and electricity within itself?

Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of metals?

What are the key characteristics of metals that make them ideal for use in transportation and aerospace applications?

Which of these is NOT a classification of materials based on their origin?

Which of the following materials is NOT considered a natural material?

What makes ceramics suitable for applications requiring high heat and wear resistance?

Which of the following is an example of a composite material?

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes polymers from other materials?

Why are biomaterials specifically designed for interaction with biological systems?

What is the main difference between natural and synthetic materials?

Overview of Metals and Materials

Metals are opaque, lustrous elements, known for excellent heat and electricity conduction, malleability, and ductility.
Applications of metals span transportation, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical fields, including prosthetics.
Materials can be solids, liquids, gases, or composites, categorized by properties, composition, and uses.

Classification of Materials

Natural Materials: Derived from natural sources, including:
- Organic Materials: Wood, cotton, leather, wool.
- Inorganic Materials: Minerals, stone, metals.
Synthetic Materials: Manufactured through chemical processes, including:
- Plastics: Examples include polyethylene and PVC.
- Composites: Made from two or more materials, e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber.
Metals: Strong, ductile elements with good electrical conductivity; examples include:
- Steel, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, lead.
Ceramics: Rigid, brittle materials that resist heat and wear, such as porcelain and glass.
Polymers: Large molecules from repeating units, which can be flexible or rigid; includes plastics and natural substances like rubber.
Biomaterials: Designed for interaction with biological systems, often used in medical implants.

Metals vs. Non-Metals

Metals:
- Physical properties: Shiny (luster), good heat and electricity conductors, malleable (can be shaped), ductile (can be drawn into wires), typically high density, usually solid at room temperature (except mercury).
- Examples include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag), lead (Pb).
Non-Metals:
- Do not conduct heat or electricity effectively (poor conductors).
- Physical properties: Generally dull, brittle in solid form, lower density than metals, can exist in solid (sulfur), liquid (bromine), or gas (oxygen) states at room temperature.
- Examples include plastics, glass, rubber, wood, ceramics, paper, textiles, and composites.

Key Definitions

Conductivity: Ability to transfer heat and electricity within a material.
Malleability: Ability to be shaped into various forms by hammering or rolling.
Ductility: Ability to be stretched or drawn thin without breaking.
Lustrous: Quality of having a shiny surface.
Brittle: Tendency to break, crack, or snap easily.

This quiz covers the definition, properties, and uses of metals across various industries, including transportation, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical fields.