What's covered
Key facts
Metals
An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals (or a metal with another element).
Polymers
Acrylic (PMMA) is used for signs and aquariums because it is transparent, weather-resistant and easy to laser-cut.
Textiles and smart materials
Cotton is a natural fibre obtained from a plant.
Woods
Manufactured boards such as MDF and plywood are usually cheaper than solid hardwoods.
Metals
Aluminium is used in aircraft because it is light, strong and resists corrosion.
Polymers
Bioplastics are made from renewable plant sources, not from crude oil.
Textiles and smart materials
A natural fibre is a fibre that comes from a plant or an animal.
Woods
Grain is the natural pattern in wood produced by the tree's growth rings.
Metals
Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc.
Polymers
Melamine is a thermosetting polymer used for hard-wearing kitchen worktops.
Sample questions
A taste of the 38 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What is a ferrous metal?
- •Any metal that resists rust
- ✓Metal containing iron
- •Metal mined in Africa only
- •Metal that has been heated
What is a polymer (plastic)?
- •A natural mineral mined from rock
- •A type of pure metal
- •Glass made from sand
- ✓Long-chain molecule, mostly from oil
What is a natural fibre?
- •Fibre coated with plastic
- ✓Fibre from plants or animals
- •Fibre made from oil
- •Fibre spun from metal
What is a hardwood?
- •Any extra-strong manufactured board
- •Wood from a coniferous tree
- ✓Wood from a deciduous tree (loses leaves)
- •Wood that has been painted hard
What is a non-ferrous metal?
- •Any soft metal
- •Metal from outside the UK
- •Metal that has not been forged
- ✓Metal without iron in it
What is a thermoplastic?
- •Plastic that cannot be moulded
- •Polymer that sets permanently when heated
- ✓Polymer that softens with heat and can be reshaped
- •Polymer used only for clothing
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