Properties of matter

Different substances have different properties.they might be hard or soft,flexible or rigid,flammable or not.Testing the properties of a particular substance helps in determining what it can ,and cannot,be used for.

Mass and density

The amount of matter within an object is known as its mass.On Earth,the force of gravity pull o the mass of an object to give it weight .an object's density is how much mass it has for its size.For example,a piece of iron weights more than a feather of the same size as it is a denser materials.

a feather has a low density and an iron bell has a high density

Plasticity

Some materials can be shaped into a different from.This property is known as plasticity. modelling clay ,for example,can be shaped into various objects.Special type of plasticity include malleability,where a material such as metal can be beaten into thin sheets,and ductility,which  allows a material to be pulled into a thin wire.

modelling clay has high plasticity ,but the knife is less elastic and breaks easily 

Hardness

The hardness of minerals is measured using the Mohs scale.Ranging from 1(soft ) to 10 (Very hard) ,the scale measures how  well one mineral can resist being scratched and shaped by another.A diamond could scratch any other mineral ,but talc can easily be scratched by any mineral,or even a human fingernail.

Elasticity

Some materials are very flexible ,and have the ability to bend .Some are so flexible that they can bend or stretch  in different directions,but still return to their original shape ,size or position ,this property is known as elasticity .A rubber bend is an elastic object .Many materials cannot be stretched beyond a certain point ,called the elastic limit .

an elastic rubber band will snap back to its original shape

flammability

 if a materials is flammable ,it catches fire (ignites)easily and then burn (combusts)Highly flammable materials ,such a petrol,can be dangerous ,but also very useful.Flammable materials produce heat as they burn.A material that will not burn is known as nonflammable.

wood is a flammable material and catches fire easily

Solubility

If a materials can dissolve in a liquid ,it is know as soluble.The liquid into which the soluble materials dissolves is a solvent .Water is often called the universal solvent because so many materials can dissolve in it.Soluble materials include solid ,liquid and gasses.

Conducting election 

All materials are good electrical conductors,which means they allow electrical currents to pass through them easily .Copper is widely used in electrical wiring .Insulating materials ,such as glass and plastic ,are poor electrical conductors.They are used to prevent electricity from flowing where it is not needed ,such as through our bodies.

Conducting heat

Metals conducting heat well and are known as thermal conductors.Other materials, such as glass and plastic ,do not conduct heat easily.They are called thermal insulators and they are very useful as they prevent heat from escaping.

A metal pen conducts heat from the cooker to the food inside the pen