← Back to Hub

Materials Science

Division B + C - Virtual Materials Lab

Materials Property Explorer

Select materials to compare their properties. Highest values shown in green, lowest in red.

Property Comparison

Material

Stress-Strain Lab

Compare stress-strain curves to understand material behavior under load.

Stress-Strain Curves

Elastic Region: Material returns to original shape
Yield Point: Permanent deformation begins
Plastic Region: Permanent deformation
Fracture: Material breaks

Quick Quiz

Nanomaterials Explorer

Explore how material properties change at the nanoscale.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

As particles get smaller, their surface area relative to volume increases dramatically.

1 nm 1000 nm
100 nm

Surface Area / Volume

0.06
nm-1

Relative Reactivity

1.0x
vs 100nm baseline

Surface Atoms

~15%
of total atoms

Melting Point Shift

-0%
relative to bulk

Nano vs Bulk Properties

Key differences between nanomaterials and bulk materials:

Optical Properties

Gold nanoparticles appear red/purple due to quantum effects changing electron behavior.

Mechanical Strength

Nanomaterials can be much stronger due to fewer defects and dislocations.

Catalytic Activity

Higher surface area means more active sites for chemical reactions.

Thermal Properties

Melting points decrease as particle size decreases.

Nano Quiz

Design Challenges

Apply your materials knowledge to solve engineering problems.

Design Challenge Tips

  • Read constraints carefully - Each constraint eliminates certain materials
  • Consider trade-offs - Rarely is one material perfect for everything
  • Think about the application - What properties matter most?
  • Remember categories - Metals conduct, polymers flex, ceramics resist heat

Mission Mode

Test your materials science knowledge with a timed challenge.

Number of Questions

10
Quick
15
Standard
20
Extended

Mission History

No missions completed yet.

This tool is unofficial and not affiliated with Science Olympiad. For official rules, visit soinc.org