When studying the origin of failure, it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to unexpected results. In engineering the materials used in the design are studied in order to avoid failure. Each material is categorized by recognizing the different properties that are found within them. These properties include strength, toughness, hardness, chemical or corrosion resistance, and density. By knowing the characteristics of a material it allows an engineer to properly decide on which are the best fit for a certain design. For example, if a design is going to be exposed to freezing temperatures, one most consider the toughness of the material due to the fact that some become brittle in colder temperatures. It is also important to look at past failures that were a result of inapt materials. By doing so, an engineer could compare the conditions that the flawed design has to that of their own. If they share similar conditions, an engineer could recognize this and avoid materials that may have been the source of failure. Although it may seem that materials are strictly related to engineering, they can be found in several areas of study. Some businesses may need to study the materials used in their products in order to elevate the success of production. By understanding which materials work best with their products and which are not compatible it could not only increase the quality of the product, but also have an impact on the finances related to production. If two materials share the same success rate and one is cheaper to produce than the other, then a company could recognize this and efficiently produce their product.