Using online resources as your reference material, prepare a comprehensive assignment discussing various aspects of materials, including their properties, types, and applications. Ensure that you properly cite your sources and provide a bibliography at the end of the assignment.

• Briefly explain the importance of materials in engineering and their impact on various industries.
• Provide an overview of the topics to be discussed in the assignment.
• Discuss the key properties of materials, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties.
• Explain how these properties affect the behavior and performance of materials in different applications.
• Provide examples of materials with exceptional properties and their applications.
• Describe the classification of materials based on their atomic structure, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
• Explain the unique characteristics and properties of each material class.
• Discuss the advantages, limitations, and typical applications of each material class.
• Outline the materials selection process, including the consideration of functional requirements, constraints, and performance criteria.
• Discuss the importance of sustainability and environmental factors in materials selection.
• Provide examples of real-life applications where materials selection played a crucial role.