Final answer:
Understanding the composition and properties of materials aids in selecting the appropriate substances for building and creating tools. Knowledge of atoms, which make up all matter, allows us to manipulate materials for specific uses and innovations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding what a substance is made of is critical for humans when deciding what materials to use for building or creating tools. By knowing the composition and properties of materials, such as their strength, durability, flexibility, and electrical conductivity, we can choose the right substances for specific applications. Ancestors initially shaped materials like flint and wood without altering their composition, but as knowledge progressed, we learned to create new materials, like curing hides and transforming copper ores into tools.
Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of all matter, and understanding the arrangement and types of atoms in a substance can explain why it behaves in certain ways. This knowledge enables innovation, like developing more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics or improving battery technology with conductive metals.
Every object we use is comprised of various substances, and each has its set of properties which determine its suitability for different tasks. Thus, learning about and exploiting the chemical properties of materials has been essential for our progress and continues to be vital for advancements in technology, sustainability, and efficiency.