Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Chemistry · key term
A material's ability to withstand a pushing force without being crushed or deformed.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.10.3.3 · Paper 2
Revise: Ceramics, Polymers, and CompositesThe designer must identify the properties needed for the particular job. These might include low density, stiffness, toughness, tensile or compressive strength, resistance to high temperatures, electrical insulation, appearance and cost.
Specification 9.38C, 9.39C · Paper 2
The greatest pushing stress a material can withstand before it fails.
Revise: Comparing MaterialsTensile strength concerns pulling, whereas compressive strength concerns pushing or crushing. A material may perform very differently in the two tests.
Resistance to being squashed or crushed.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
The ability of a material to withstand squeezing forces without failure.
Revise: Comparing material propertiesFor brick, the reported compressive strength is 50–140 MPa, compared with a tensile strength of only 7–14 MPa. Soda-lime glass similarly has a compressive strength of 360–420 MPa, compared with 31–35 MPa in tension. These ceramics resist squeezing much better than pulling.
The ability of a material to withstand a crushing force without failing.
Name the property being compared; do not use “stronger” when the data actually show greater hardness, toughness or compressive strength.
Compare the same property under comparable conditions. Tensile strength and compressive strength are not interchangeable.
Distinguish tensile strength from compressive strength. A material that resists pulling may not resist crushing equally well.
Create a free account to read GCSE Chemistry revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.