Question 1: Explain why plastic is often used for making everyday household items such as containers and utensils. Include at least two reasons related to its properties.

Answer: Plastic is lightweight and can be easily shaped or moulded, making it suitable for household items. It is also durable and inexpensive, which makes it practical for everyday use.

Question 2: A company wants to produce a lightweight, flexible wristband for sports use. Which material would be most suitable: metal, plastic, or rubber? Justify your choice.

Answer: Rubber would be most suitable because it is flexible, lightweight, and comfortable to wear during sports activities.

Question 3: Describe two properties of metal that make it useful for manufacturing tools like hammers or screwdrivers.

Answer: Metals are strong and hard, which allows tools to withstand force without breaking. They are also good conductors of heat and electricity, which is useful in some tool applications.

Question 4: A designer needs to create a transparent, lightweight display case. Which material would be best? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: A clear acrylic or polycarbonate plastic would be best because it is transparent, lightweight, and strong enough to protect the items inside.

Question 5: Think of a product that needs to be very hard and resistant to scratches, such as a watch face or a smartphone screen. Which material would you choose? Provide reasons for your choice.

Answer: Glass or sapphire crystal would be suitable because they are very hard and resistant to scratches, providing durability and clarity.

Question 6: Draw a simple sketch of a bracelet made from a flexible material. Label the material you would use and explain why you chose it.

Answer: The sketch should show a band that is curved to fit around a wrist, with labels indicating 'rubber' or 'silicone' as the material. The explanation should mention flexibility, comfort, and durability.

Question 7: A product needs to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Name a suitable material and explain why it is a good choice.

Answer: Biodegradable plastics or natural materials like bamboo are suitable because they break down naturally and have less environmental impact.

Question 8: Identify a material that is good for making outdoor furniture and discuss two of its properties that make it suitable.

Answer: Wood treated with weather-resistant coatings or metal such as aluminium. These materials are durable and resistant to weather conditions like rain and sun.

Question 9: Design Brief: You need to create a lightweight, eco-friendly shopping bag that can carry heavy items. Which material would you choose and why?

Answer: A strong, recycled fabric such as jute or canvas because it is sturdy, lightweight, and environmentally friendly.

Question 10: Describe how the choice of material affects the cost, durability, and environmental impact of a product.

Answer: Materials that are inexpensive and easy to produce reduce costs but may be less durable or environmentally friendly. Durable materials tend to last longer but can be more expensive and may have a larger environmental footprint. Eco-friendly materials are sustainable and biodegradable but might cost more or have limited availability.

Question 11: Sketch a plan for a small storage container. Indicate the material you would use and note three properties important for this material.

Answer: The plan should include a simple box shape with a lid. The label should specify 'plastic' or 'metal.' The three properties might be: lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion or impact.