Physical Science Lesson 11 the Structure and Properties of Matter

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The Structure and Properties of Matter The Structure and Properties of Matter

The Structure and Properties of Matter - The

The Structure and Properties of Matter - The Uses of Different Materials According to TheirUses of Different Materials According to Their

Properties and Structures: Construction of Buildings and

Properties and Structures: Construction of Buildings and FurnitureFurniture

Objective

At the end of the les

At the end of the lesson, you should be ason, you should be able to relate the prble to relate the properties and stroperties and structures ofuctures of

construction materials to their uses.

In the previous lessons, you

In the previous lessons, you have learned about the uses have learned about the uses of metals, ceramics, andof metals, ceramics, and

polymers in medical implants, sports equipment, and electronic devices. In this lesson,

you will learn a

you will learn about the uses of thesbout the uses of these materials in e materials in constructiconstruction supplies.on supplies.

What are t

What are the properthe properties of mies of materials conaterials considered in sidered in designing designing and buildiand buildingng

homes, schools, and

homes, schools, and other infrastructuresother infrastructures??

Last Updated: 08.12.16

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Materials Used for Construction Supplies

In general, the materials used for construction supplies can be categorized into three,

namely,

namely, metalsmetals,,ceramicsceramics, and, andpolymerspolymers..

Metals

Metals are strong and durable construction materials because of the strong metallic are strong and durable construction materials because of the strong metallic

bonding betwee

bonding between metal atoms. They n metal atoms. They have a wide range of apphave a wide range of applications in clications in construction,onstruction,

including roofing, drainage components, and handrails.

As the structur

As the structural frameworal framework of buildings, mek of buildings, metals should be dtals should be durable and corrurable and corrosionosion

resistant.

resistant.CorrosionCorrosion, the process by which , the process by which something deteriorates because ofsomething deteriorates because of

oxidation, is a major factor

oxidation, is a major factor in assessing the longevity of in assessing the longevity of the metallic material.the metallic material.

Example

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Steel is one of the oldest known construction material. It is an alloy composed primarily of iron and carbon. It is widely used in construction because of its high tensile strength and low cost.

When chromium is added to steel, the alloy is referred to as stainless steel. The addition of about 10.5 to 30% chromium gives rise to superior corrosion- and stain-resistant properties.

Steel forms iron oxide (rust) in the presence of oxygen. In comparison, stainless steel does not form rust. Instead, it spontaneously forms a chromium oxide layer on its

surface on contact with oxygen. This passive layer is impermeable and has the ability to repair itself.

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Ceramics

Ceramics are inorganic, nonmetallic materials comprised of metal, nonmetal, or semimetal atoms held together by ionic or covalent bonds. These materials are often

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used in the construction industry. They are used as abrasive, flooring, roofing and wall tiles, and countertops.

Example

Silicon carbide (SC) is a compound of silicon and carbon. It is a nonmetallic ceramic material that behaves almost like a diamond. It is the lightest and the hardest ceramic material. It has high tear resistance. It is also highly resistant to strong acids and bases. SC is a construction supply and is often used as an abrasive because of its high tear resistance and durability. An abrasive is a material that finishes a workpiece through rubbing. For instance, SC is used in stripping and finishing flooring materials, such as wood.

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Polymers

Polymers are large molecules with repeating units called monomers. They have a wide range of applications in construction including flooring, windows pipes, insulation,

and signage. For instance, plastics, which are synthetic polymers that can be molded or extruded into different shapes, are used as the replacement for glass and metal pipes.

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Example

Polymethylmethacrylate or acrylic is a synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate.

Acrylic has high molecular weight and strong London dispersion forces. It is a shatterproof and transparent plastic. Hence, it is used as a replacement for glass. Like glass, acrylic can be molded into different shapes. Granules of acrylic are poured into a machine that heats them up. As the temperature of the polymer is increased, intermolecular forces are disrupted turning the polymer into a viscous liquid. At high temperatures, it can be placed in molds and upon cooling, it solidifies having the shape of its container.

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Try it!

Take a look around your school. Observe your classroom, canteen, library, and the rest of the school buildings. Do you recognize any construction materials made of metals? How about those made of polymers and ceramics?

What do you think?

What are the properties of materials used for walls and flooring?

Key Points

 Metals, which are materials held together by strong metallic bonds, are used as

roofing, drainage components, and handrails.

 Ceramics, which are inorganic, nonmetallic materials held together by ionic or

covalent bonds, are often used in the construction industry as abrasive, flooring, roofing and wall tiles, and countertops.

 Polymers, which are large molecules with repeating units, have a wide range of

applications in construction including flooring, windows pipes, insulation, and signage.

Question 1

Which of the following are the uses of metals as construction supplies?

Correct!

1

drainage components

3

roofing

Metals are strong and durable construction materials because of the strong metallic bonding between metal atoms. They have a wide range of applications in construction, including roofing,

drainage components, and handrails. Next question

2

electrical insulators

4

replacement for glass

Question 2

It has low resistance to strong acids and bases.

Silicon carbide (SC) is a compound of silicon and carbon. It is a nonmetallic ceramic material that behaves almost like a diamond. It is the lightest and the hardest ceramic material. It has high tear

resistance and high resistance to strong acids and bases. Next question

1

It has high tear resistance.

3

It is a metal that behaves almost like a diamond.

4

It is a compound of silicon and carbon.

Question 8

In a certain laboratory, small molecules were condensed to form a material comprised of large molecules with repeating units. When the electrical conductivity of the material was tested, it was classified as an insulator.

Which of the following is most likely the identity of the material?

Incorrect!

2

metal

Polymers are large molecules with repeating units called monomers. They have a wide range of applications in construction including flooring, windows pipes, insulation, and signage.

Next question

1

alloy

3

polymer

4

ceramic

Question 9

Materials A and B are both tough, durable, and strong building materials. They are both used as window frames.

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Material A is also used in pipes and electrical wiring while Material B is used in flooring and heat insulation.

What are the possible identities of materials A and B?

Incorrect!

1

A is polymer while B is ceramic.

Metals can be used to make window frames, pipes, and roofs. They are good conductors of electricity so they are often used as electrical wiring. On the other hand, polymers can be used as flooring, windows pipes, insulation, and signage.

Next question

2

A is ceramic while B is metal.

3

A is polymer while B is metal.

4

A is metal while B is polymer.

Question 10

Angelo wants to build a handrail in a stairway in his house.

Which of the following construction materials is best used as a handrail?

Incorrect!

1

glass

The best option is stainless steel. Metals are durable materials that can provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways.

Finish quiz