Question 1: Describe three common materials used in product design and explain one key property of each that makes it suitable for use.

Answer: Wood: strong and lightweight, suitable for furniture. Plastic: versatile and moldable, ideal for various shapes. Metal: durable and conductive, good for structural components.

Question 2: A student wants to design a lightweight, portable storage box that needs to be sturdy but easy to carry. Which two materials might they consider using and why?

Answer: They might consider using plastic for its lightweight and ease of molding, and lightweight metal such as aluminium for strength without adding much weight.

Question 3: Think about a product that needs to resist water and corrosion, such as outdoor garden furniture. Name a suitable material and explain its relevant property.

Answer: PVC or plastic, because it is waterproof and resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Question 4: Sketch a simple design for a container that is made from a material suitable for holding liquids. Label the material you would choose and explain why in a brief note.

Answer: A sketch of a container with a smooth, sealed surface, such as a bottle made of plastic or glass. The note should mention that plastic is lightweight, durable, and waterproof.

Question 5: A toy manufacturer wants to produce a durable, safe, and lightweight toy for children. Which material might they choose and what property makes it suitable?

Answer: They might choose plastic because it is lightweight, durable, and can be made safe for children.

Question 6: Describe how the properties of metal differ from those of plastic, and give an example of a product made from each.

Answer: Metals are generally strong, hard, and good conductors of heat and electricity, e.g., a metal spoon. Plastics are lightweight, flexible, and insulative, e.g., a plastic storage box.

Question 7: Explain why a product that needs to be flexible and stretchable, such as a sports band, should be made from a specific type of material. Name the material and its property.

Answer: It should be made from elastic rubber or silicone, which has the property of flexibility and stretchability.

Question 8: Draw a sketch of a protective case for a smartphone, considering the material's properties. Label the material and explain how its properties are suitable.

Answer: A sketch of a case with a soft, impact-absorbing material such as silicone or rubber. The label should mention that the material is shock-absorbent and provides grip.

Question 9: What property of glass makes it useful for windows and transparent containers? Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of this property.

Answer: Glass is transparent, allowing visibility. An advantage is that it lets light pass through; a disadvantage is that it can break easily.

Question 10: Identify a material that is biodegradable and explain how its properties benefit the environment.

Answer: Bioplastics or paper are biodegradable materials that decompose naturally, reducing environmental pollution.

Question 11: Sketch a concept for a reusable shopping bag made from an environmentally friendly material. Label the material and describe its beneficial properties.

Answer: A sketch of a bag with handles, made from materials such as jute or recycled plastic. The label should note that the material is biodegradable, strong, and reusable.