Question

Clay is used for making pots and bricks because it is:
  (A) opaque
  (B) non-magnetic
  (C) a good conductor of heat
  (D) easily moulded into different shapes

Answer 1

Hint: The clay minerals are naturally formed over extended periods as a consequence of the gradual chemical weathering of rocks. The properties of clay minerals include capacity of the surface to take decoration, plasticity, colour after firing, fineness of grain, cohesion, hardness and the shrinkage under firing and air drying.

Complete step by step solution:
- As we are aware, clay is a sort of fine-grained natural soil material. It contains hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates which can develop plasticity when wet. The geologic clay deposits are mainly composed of phyllosilicate minerals which contain variable amounts of water trapped inside its mineral structure.
- The reasons for clays being plastic are due to the particle size and geometry as well as the water content. It can become brittle, hard and non–plastic upon drying or firing. The clay can appear in various colours from white to dull grey or brown to deep orange-red depending on the soil's content in which it is found.
- The clayey soil can be used to make toys and pots because the clayey soil’s intermolecular space is low and it can get sticky when come in contact with water or get wet. As evaporation takes place the pots made up of clayey soil can keep the water cool inside.
- Thus, the properties of clay minerals include capacity of the surface to take decoration, plasticity, colour after firing, fineness of grain, cohesion, hardness and the shrinkage under firing and air drying. Hence, the clayey soil is more plastic and it can be easily moulded into different shapes.

Therefore the answer is option (D) easily moulded into different shapes.

Note: It should be noted that there are four different types of clay. They are porcelain, ball clay, stoneware clay, and earthenware clay and all of this can be used to make various objects like pots and bricks, but the final result will differ depending on their different textures, colors, and flexibilities.