Final answer:
Materials are selected for products based on their relevant properties that match the functionality and environment where the product will be used. Flexible, durable, and conductive materials serve different purposes, from consumer goods to art and national defense, showing the criticality of material properties in various applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Materials are chosen for specific products based on their properties that are critical for the product's functionality, efficiency, and safety. For instance, flexible but durable materials with long-chained molecules are ideal for creating products that need to withstand wear and tear while being lightweight, as seen in the search for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics. Meanwhile, electrically conductive materials such as metals are essential in the development of better batteries due to their ability to efficiently transfer electric charge.
In the context of art, materials are selected based on their suitability for the intended design and the environment where the art will be placed or displayed. Sculptors working with metal require technology to cast or weld, acknowledging the importance of the material's versatility and strength. Finally, national security considerations can affect the choice of materials, particularly if they are to be used in high-tech components or weapons systems. In such cases, materials may be stockpiled to ensure their availability during armed conflicts, emphasizing their importance in strategic and defense applications.