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GCSE Chemistry · key term
The ability of a material to withstand forces without breaking or permanently changing shape.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.1.3.1 · Paper 1
Revise: Comparison with Alkali MetalsStrength describes how well a material withstands a force without breaking or permanently deforming. Hardness describes its resistance to scratching, cutting or indentation.
Specification 9.39C · Paper 2
The ability of a material to withstand an applied force or stress without failing.
Revise: Material SelectionStrength is the ability to withstand force or stress without failing. Tensile strength concerns pulling forces, whereas compressive strength concerns squashing forces.
Treat strength and hardness as separate properties. Strength is resistance to breaking or permanent deformation; hardness is resistance to scratching, cutting or indentation.
Do not treat hardness, strength and toughness as synonyms: hardness concerns scratching or indentation, strength concerns the force or stress before failure, and toughness concerns resistance to breaking when energy is absorbed.
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