Name the various properties of matisials …

Properties of Materials

• Appearance:

On the basis of appearance, materials are classified into two groups -  lustrous and non-lustrous. The materials which have a shiny appearance are called lustrous. Examples – metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminium and iron) and metal alloys (steel, stainless steel, brass, etc). Those materials which have dull appearance are said to be non-lustrous. Examples – paper, wood, chalk, cotton, plastic, rubber, etc.

• Hardness and softness:

On the basis of hardness or softness, materials are of two types – hard and soft.

Hard materials cannot be easily compressed, cut, bent or scratched. Examples – diamond, teeth, bones, steel, wood, etc. Soft materials can be easily compressed, cut, bent or scratched. Examples – sponge, cotton, wool, foam, rubber, etc.

• Soluble or Insoluble:

Materials can either be soluble or insoluble in water. Common salts, milk, juice, alcohol, washing soda are some materials which are soluble in water. Sand, chalk powder, saw-dust, sulphur, glass, plastic, etc. are insoluble in water.