Question 1: Explain why it is important to select the correct material when designing a product.

Answer: Choosing the right material affects the product's strength, durability, weight, cost, and suitability for its intended use. Proper selection ensures safety, functionality, and customer satisfaction.

Question 2: Name three common materials used in the manufacture of household furniture and describe one key property of each.

Answer: Wood - strong and natural; Plastic - lightweight and versatile; Metal (such as steel) - durable and strong.

Question 3: Describe a scenario where a lightweight material would be essential in a product design. Explain why.

Answer: In the design of a bicycle frame, a lightweight material like aluminium or carbon fibre is important to make the bike easy to handle and ride, reducing fatigue for the user.

Question 4: Identify two materials suitable for making outdoor garden furniture and justify your choices based on weather resistance.

Answer: Plastic (e.g., polypropylene) because it resists moisture and UV rays; Metal (e.g., aluminium) because it resists rust and is durable outdoors.

Question 5: Design Brief: You are asked to create a durable and eco-friendly shopping bag. What material would you choose and why?

Answer: [DESIGN TASK] Student should select a material like jute or recycled PET plastic, explaining that these materials are sustainable, strong, and suitable for reusable bags.

Question 6: Sketch a design for a handle that would be comfortable to hold. Label the key features of your design.

Answer: [DRAWING TASK] A sketch should show a handle with an ergonomic shape, possibly padded or textured for grip, with labels indicating these features.

Question 7: List two properties that are important for materials used in making sports equipment, and give an example of a suitable material for each property.

Answer: Strength - steel or carbon fibre; Flexibility - rubber or elastomer.

Question 8: Explain why glass is not usually suitable for making a children’s toy, considering material properties.

Answer: Glass is fragile and can break easily, posing a safety risk, which makes it unsuitable for children’s toys that need to be durable and safe.

Question 9: Design Brief: Your task is to develop a protective casing for a smartphone that must be lightweight and impact-resistant. Which material would you choose and why?

Answer: [DESIGN TASK] A suitable material could be silicone or thermoplastic elastomers, as they are lightweight, flexible, and absorb shocks to protect the device.