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Year 11 - Design and technology

Physical and working properties of materials

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Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will develop technical principles knowledge with an explicit focus on exam technique.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the difference between physical and working properties in materials.

Key Notes

  • Physical properties are also known as 'characteristics' and describe a material's appearance and structure.
  • Working properties are also known as 'mechanical properties' and refers to how a material reacts to external forces.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • physical property: the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features
  • working property: the way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also referred to as mechanical properties

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Physical properties and working properties are the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Physical properties are also known as 'characteristics' and describe a material's appearance and structure. Working properties are also known as 'mechanical properties' and refers to how a material reacts to external forces.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'physical property'

the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Physical properties and working properties are the same thing. Correction: Physical properties describe inherent features (like density, colour, or conductivity), whereas working properties describe how a material behaves under stress (like flexibility, toughness, or hardness).

More Lessons In This Unit

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