Question 1: Explain why aluminium might be chosen for the frame of a lightweight bicycle. Discuss at least two material properties that make it suitable.

Answer: Aluminium is lightweight, which makes the bicycle easier to ride. It is also corrosion-resistant, increasing durability. Its good strength-to-weight ratio and ease of manufacturing are additional benefits.

Question 2: You are designing a storage box that needs to be strong, durable, and weather-resistant. List three suitable materials you might consider and explain your choice reasoning.

Answer: Possible materials include plastic (for affordability and weather resistance), stainless steel (for strength and durability), and treated timber (for aesthetics and durability). Each offers different advantages depending on the specific use case.

Question 3: Design Brief: Create a portable electronic device that must be lightweight, durable, and aesthetically appealing.

Answer: Students should sketch a design of the device casing, indicating the use of a lightweight material such as polycarbonate or aluminium, and suggest finishes or textures for aesthetic appeal. The sketch should include annotations explaining material choices.

Question 4: Draw a cross-sectional sketch of a chair leg made from a material that is both strong and lightweight. Label the material you have chosen and justify your choice in a brief note.

Answer: The sketch should show a structural shape like a hollow tube or a reinforced component. The label might specify aluminium or carbon fibre, with notes explaining their high strength-to-weight ratios and suitability for furniture.

Question 5: Describe the key differences between plastics and metals regarding their suitability for making kitchen utensils. Include at least two properties for each.

Answer: Plastics are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to mould, but less heat-resistant and less durable. Metals such as stainless steel are strong, heat-resistant, and durable but heavier and potentially more expensive.

Question 6: A designer needs to select a material for a children's outdoor toy that must be safe, weather-resistant, and lightweight. Which material would you recommend and why?

Answer: A suitable choice would be high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic because it is safe, lightweight, resistant to weather conditions, and durable.

Question 7: Sketch a plan for a protective casing for a small electronic gadget. Indicate the type of material you would use and justify your choice in a brief note.

Answer: The sketch should show a box-like casing with features such as rounded edges for safety. The note might specify ABS plastic for its impact resistance and ease of manufacturing, with annotations explaining these points.

Question 8: You are designing a set of cutlery for outdoor camping. Which material would you choose for the handles and why?

Answer: A good choice would be rubber or thermoplastic elastomers because they provide a comfortable grip, are lightweight, and are resistant to outdoor conditions.

Question 9: Explain the importance of considering environmental impact when selecting materials for a new product. Provide two points to support your explanation.

Answer: Choosing environmentally friendly materials reduces pollution and supports sustainability. It also helps in complying with regulations and appeals to eco-conscious consumers.

Question 10: Design Brief: You need to create a small, portable storage container that is both durable and eco-friendly.

Answer: Students should sketch a simple container design, indicating eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics or biodegradable composites. Annotations should explain the material choice and its environmental benefits.