Question 1: Describe the key properties of metals that make them suitable for use in structural components. Provide at least three properties and explain their importance.

Answer: Metals are typically strong and durable, providing structural integrity; they are good conductors of heat and electricity, which is useful in electrical applications; and they can be easily shaped and welded, making fabrication straightforward. These properties ensure the metal parts are strong, functional, and easy to manufacture.

Question 2: Identify a non-metallic material that is suitable for making a transparent window and justify your choice based on its properties.

Answer: Polycarbonate or acrylic is suitable because they are transparent, impact-resistant, and lightweight. These properties make them ideal for windows that need to be clear and durable.

Question 3: Explain why thermoplastics are often preferred over thermosetting plastics for products that require reshaping or recycling.

Answer: Thermoplastics can be heated and reshaped multiple times without significant degradation, making them recyclable and suitable for products that need to be remoulded or repaired. Thermosetting plastics, once set, cannot be remelted or reshaped.

Question 4: Design Brief: You are tasked with creating a lightweight yet strong shopping trolley. Which material would you choose for the frame and why? Sketch a simple side view of the trolley’s frame and label the material you select.

Answer: A suitable material would be aluminium due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, making the trolley lightweight yet durable. The sketch should show a basic trolley frame with the labelled material 'Aluminium' on the main structural parts.

Question 5: Draw a rough sketch of a product casing made from a material that is resistant to heat and chemicals. Label the material you would use and explain your choice.

Answer: The sketch should depict a simple box-like casing. Label the casing material as 'Polypropylene' or 'Polypropylene (PP)', noting its resistance to heat and chemicals, making it suitable for protective enclosures.

Question 6: Compare the electrical conductivity of copper and plastic. Which would be more suitable for electrical wiring and why?

Answer: Copper has high electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical wiring. Plastic has low conductivity and acts as an insulator, so it is used to cover and insulate wiring, not as the conductive material itself.

Question 7: Identify an insulating material used in home appliances and describe its key properties that make it suitable for this purpose.

Answer: Rubber or silicone rubber is commonly used as an insulator because it has high electrical resistance, is flexible, and can withstand high temperatures, preventing electrical shocks.

Question 8: Design Brief: You need to develop a weather-resistant outdoor bench. Which material would you recommend and why? Sketch a front view of the bench and label the material used.

Answer: A good choice would be treated timber or plastic composite due to their resistance to weather and decay. The sketch should show a simple bench with the label 'Weather-resistant timber' or 'Plastic composite' on the main components.

Question 9: Explain how the hardness property of a material influences its use in making cutting tools.

Answer: Hardness allows a material to resist deformation and wear, making it suitable for cutting tools as it maintains a sharp edge and lasts longer during use.

Question 10: Sketch a plan for a handle made from a material that is comfortable to grip and resistant to wear. Label the material and explain your choice.

Answer: The sketch should show a handle with a textured or contoured surface for grip. Label the material as 'Rubber' or 'Thermoplastic elastomer,' explaining that these materials are soft, grip-friendly, and resistant to wear.