AQA GCSE · Design and Technology 8552

Materials and their working properties: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 4 written questions with worked solutions. All on Materials and their working properties.

9 questions28 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following materials is correctly classified as a hardwood within the AQA specification?

Question 2

1 mark

A designer is selecting a material for a child\'s stacking toy that requires high impact resistance and the ability to be injection moulded in bright colours. Which thermoforming polymer is most suitable for this application?

Question 3

1 mark

An engineer needs to select a metal for a high-speed drill bit that will maintain its hardness even when heated to high temperatures during heavy use. Which of the following is the most appropriate material?

Question 4

1 mark

When a metal is being processed by being hammered or rolled into a thin sheet without cracking, which working property is it demonstrating?

Question 5

1 mark

In the context of material management and efficiency, a designer uses tessellation or nesting when planning a layout for a CNC router. What is the primary purpose of this technique?

Question 6

4 marks

A manufacturer is choosing a material for a high-end kitchen utensil. Compare the working properties of stainless steel and cast iron in terms of their thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.

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Question 7

6 marks

A product requires a material that can be deformed under compressive force without cracking and return to its original shape. Identify the specific mechanical property required and explain why a thermoforming polymer like polypropylene (PP) is more suitable for this than a thermosetting polymer.

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Question 8

6 marks

Designers must choose materials based on their physical and mechanical properties.

(a) A manufacturer is designing a new handle for a high-quality kitchen cooking utensil. Suggest a suitable hardwood and justify your choice based on its working properties. [3]
(b) Why might a designer choose Urea-formaldehyde for an electrical fitting instead of a thermoforming plastic like Polypropylene? [3]

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Question 9

7 marks

Properties of materials can be modified to suit specific purposes.

(a) Describe the process of annealing and explain why it is used when working with metals. [3]
(b) Explain how the addition of UV stabilizers affects the lifespan of polymer-based garden furniture. [2]
(c) Why are flame retardants essential additives in the production of synthetic textiles for public transport seating? [2]

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