Question 1: Define the term 'durability' in the context of materials used in product design.

Answer: Durability refers to the ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time without breaking or degrading.

Question 2: Explain why a lightweight material might be preferred for designing a bicycle frame.

Answer: A lightweight material reduces the overall weight of the bicycle, making it easier to handle, transport, and ride, improving user comfort and performance.

Question 3: Describe two properties of plastics that make them suitable for use in everyday household items.

Answer: Plastics are lightweight and can be easily moulded into various shapes, making them versatile and convenient for manufacturing household items.

Question 4: A company needs to produce a protective case for a mobile phone that must be both lightweight and impact-resistant. Which material would you recommend? Justify your choice.

Answer: Polycarbonate or silicone could be recommended because they are lightweight and have high impact resistance, protecting the phone from damage.

Question 5: Sketch a simple cross-section of a wooden chair leg, indicating the key material properties that make wood suitable for this part [DRAWTING TASK].

Answer: A correct sketch would show a solid wood section with labels pointing to its strength, rigidity, and natural shock absorption qualities. The drawing should clearly depict the shape of a chair leg in cross-section.

Question 6: Compare the properties of metal and plastic when used in the construction of a kitchen utensil handle.

Answer: Metals are generally stronger and more heat-resistant, making them durable, but they can be heavier. Plastics are lighter and can be insulated, making handles comfortable to hold, but they may be less strong.

Question 7: Design Brief: You need to create a new lunchbox that is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Which material would you choose and why?

Answer: A suitable material could be polypropylene plastic because it is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean due to its non-porous surface.

Question 8: Sketch a concept for a handle made from a material with good grip and comfort [DRAWTING TASK].

Answer: A correct sketch would show a handle with a textured surface or ergonomic shape, indicating the grip-friendly material, such as rubber or soft plastic, with labels describing these features.

Question 9: What are the advantages of using metal in products that require high strength and thermal conductivity?

Answer: Metals are very strong, providing durability, and they conduct heat efficiently, which is beneficial in applications like cookware or heat sinks.

Question 10: Identify a material that is environmentally friendly and explain its main property that supports sustainability.

Answer: Bamboo is environmentally friendly because it is fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable, making it a sustainable material choice.