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Using materials key terms
Study Using materials with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
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key terms
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Topic
Using materials
Key terms
Carbon fibre reinforced polymer
A composite material consisting of carbon fibres embedded in a polymer matrix, providing high strength and low weight.
Glass‑fibre reinforced plastic
A composite material made by embedding glass fibres within a plastic matrix, offering good impact resistance and durability.
ceramics
In Ceramics, polymers and composites, ceramics means inorganic, non-metallic materials made by shaping and heating clay or other raw materials. This matters in Using materials because it supports the learning objective to compare physical properties of glass, clay ceramics, polymers, composites and metals using information provided. (Chemistry only; WS 1.4, 3.5, 3.8). Use ceramics only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.
composite
A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.
material properties
Characteristics of a material that determine its suitability for specific applications, such as strength, flexibility, and thermal resistance.
suitable materials
Materials that are appropriate for a specific use based on their properties and the requirements of the application.
thermosetting polymer
In Ceramics, polymers and composites, thermosetting polymer means a polymer that hardens permanently when heated and cannot be remolded. This matters in Using materials because it supports the learning objective to compare thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers experimentally or from data. (Chemistry only; WS 1.4, 3.5, 3.8). Use thermosetting polymer only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.
thermosoftening polymer
A polymer that becomes soft and moldable when heated and can be reshaped multiple times.
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