Question 1: Describe the key properties that make wood a suitable material for furniture making.

Answer: Wood is strong, durable, lightweight, and easy to work with. It also has good aesthetic qualities and can be shaped or carved easily.

Question 2: Identify two materials that are good conductors of heat and explain why this property is important for their typical use.

Answer: Metals like copper and aluminium are good conductors of heat. This property is important for applications like cooking utensils, where efficient heat transfer is required.

Question 3: Compare the properties of plastics and metals when used for making household storage containers.

Answer: Plastics are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to mould into complex shapes, making them suitable for storage containers. Metals are generally more durable and stronger but can be heavier and may corrode unless treated. Plastics are also often more cost-effective for mass production.

Question 4: Sketch a simple design for a lightweight, durable handle for a tool. Label the main material you would choose and justify your choice.

Answer: The sketch should depict an ergonomic handle with a focus on comfort and strength. Labels should include the material (e.g., plastic or rubber), with a justification citing properties like lightweight, grip, and durability.

Question 5: Design Brief: You need to create a small storage box that is waterproof and lightweight for outdoor use. Which material would you choose and why?

Answer: I would choose a suitable plastic like polypropylene because it is waterproof, lightweight, and resistant to environmental elements, making it ideal for outdoor storage.

Question 6: Draw a cross-section of a material that is both flexible and strong, suitable for making a flexible phone case. Label the material and explain its properties.

Answer: The cross-section should show a thin, flexible material such as silicone or TPU. Labels should include properties like high elasticity, impact resistance, and flexibility.

Question 7: Explain how the property of hardness affects the choice of material for making cutting tools.

Answer: Hardness allows a material to resist scratching and deformation, making it suitable for cutting tools that need to maintain a sharp edge over time, such as steel blades.

Question 8: Sketch a concept for a packaging material that needs to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Include labels for the material and its key properties.

Answer: The sketch should depict a packaging container made from biodegradable material like cardboard or paperboard. Labels should highlight properties such as biodegradability, recyclability, and strength.

Question 9: Identify a material that is good for making electrical insulators and explain why.

Answer: Plastic or rubber are good electrical insulators because they do not conduct electricity, preventing electrical shocks and short circuits.

Question 10: Design Brief: You are asked to produce a lightweight, impact-resistant helmet for cycling. Which material would you recommend and why?

Answer: I would recommend a polycarbonate shell because it is lightweight, impact-resistant, and durable, providing safety while remaining comfortable to wear.