Physical Properties of Materials: Conductors

Study Notes

Properties are distinctive characteristics that describe an object or material.
Examples of properties of a metal:
- Durable (long-lasting)
- Malleable (can be formed into plates)
- Ductile (can be drawn out into a wire)
A conductor is a material that allows heat and electricity to flow through it. Metals are good conductors.

Heat is the transfer of energy from one object to another due to a temperature difference.
Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is.
Adding heat energy usually results in a temperature rise.
Melting point is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
Boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas.
Examples:
- Water boils at 100°C (100 degrees Celsius)
- Wax melts at a certain temperature (its melting point)

Using materials like plastics and paper can have a negative impact on the environment.
Manufacturing processes can also harm the environment, e.g.:
- Paper production: deforestation, destruction of habitats, water usage
Environmental issues:
- 10 examples of 21st-century environmental issues (e.g. deforestation, air pollution)

Environmental impact of fuels:
- Mining: concerns about mining metals apply to fuels
- Use: contributes to air pollution, oil spills, harm to animals
Environmental impact of mining metals:
- Chemicals used can cause water pollution
- Dust can harm human health
- Air pollution causes global warming
- Soil fertility is prohibited
- Disrupts natural habitats
Environmental impact of plastics:
- Contributes to decline of non-renewable resources
- Causes pollution (air, ground, water)
- Blocks drains, causing flooding
- Affects animal and human health
- Non-biodegradable, poisonous, takes 1000 years to break down