Question 1: Describe three common properties of polymers that make them suitable for use in everyday objects.

Answer: Polymers are lightweight, can be easily molded into various shapes, and are generally resistant to corrosion and chemicals.

Question 2: Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of using polymers in product design.

Answer: Advantage: Polymers are versatile and can be shaped into complex designs. Disadvantage: They can be less durable or environmentally unfriendly compared to metals.

Question 3: Explain why some polymers are classified as thermoplastics while others are thermosetting plastics.

Answer: Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped multiple times because their polymer chains can slide past each other. Thermosetting plastics, once cured, form strong, cross-linked structures that do not melt when heated.

Question 4: Design Brief: You are tasked with creating a lightweight, durable container for food storage. Which type of polymer would you choose and why?

Answer: I would choose a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene because it is lightweight, resistant to chemicals, and can be easily molded into containers. It is also food-safe and has good durability.

Question 5: Describe a scenario where a polymer material might be unsuitable for use, and explain why.

Answer: Polymers might be unsuitable for high-temperature applications because many thermoplastics can melt or deform when exposed to heat, reducing their structural integrity.

Question 6: Sketch a design for a keyring buckle made from polymer. Label the main features of your design.

Answer: A correct sketch would include a simple loop or clasp mechanism, indicating the material as a polymer, with labels for the clasp, hinge, and locking part.

Question 7: List two environmental concerns associated with the widespread use of polymers and suggest a possible solution for each.

Answer: Concerns include plastic pollution and non-biodegradability. Solutions could be developing biodegradable polymers and promoting recycling programs.

Question 8: Explain how the process of injection molding is used to produce polymer objects. Include key steps in your explanation.

Answer: Injection molding involves heating plastic pellets until they melt, injecting the molten polymer into a mold cavity, allowing it to cool and solidify, then ejecting the finished part. This process is efficient for mass production of complex shapes.

Question 9: Identify two safety considerations when working with heated polymers in a workshop.

Answer: Wear protective gloves and goggles to prevent burns and eye injuries from hot materials or fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.

Question 10: Describe how the properties of polymers can be modified to suit different applications.

Answer: Properties can be modified by adding fillers, plasticizers, or stabilizers, or by changing the polymer's structure through copolymerization or cross-linking to enhance strength, flexibility, or UV resistance.