Ceramic
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Ceramics are hard and brittle materials that are made by heating a mixture in an oven.
About Ceramics
- Ceramics are very strong and so a large force can be applied before they break.
- Ceramics are brittle so they break easily when they are hit suddenly by a large force.
Examples
- Bricks - Ceramic blocks used to build houses.
- Pottery - Ceramic bowls, plates, cups and pots used for storing/holding food and drink.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Ceramics are hard and brittle materials that are made by heating a mixture in an oven.
About Ceramics
Applications and Properties
| Application | Properties |
| Plates | Hard - They are not easily scratched.
Poor Thermal Conductors - Hot food is insulated from the table below preventing it from cooling too quickly. |
| Heat Shields | Poor Thermal Conductors - Spacecraft re-entering the atmosphere are protected from extreme temperatures. |
References
AQA
- Ceramics, page 226, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Ceramics, page 264, GCSE Chemistry, Hodder, AQA
- Ceramics, page 280, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Ceramics, pages 96, 97, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Edexcel
- Ceramics, page 202, GCSE Chemistry, Pearson, Edexcel
- Ceramics, pages 106, 107, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Ceramics, pages 313, 314, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, Edexcel