1. 1
   An aircraft manufacturer is selecting materials for the wings and fuselage of a new passenger jet, where keeping the overall weight low is a critical design requirement.

   (a)

   Which property of aluminium makes it particularly suitable for aircraft manufacture?

   [1 mark]

   • AIts low density
   • BIts high melting point
   • CIts magnetic behaviour
   • DIts high density

   (b)

   The manufacturer also considers aluminium for the food and drink trolley containers used on board, which must withstand contact with a variety of foods for long periods. Which property makes aluminium suitable for use in food containers?

   [1 mark]

   • AHigh density
   • BVery high reactivity with acids
   • CPoor ductility
   • DResistance to corrosion

   (c)

   The manufacturer also uses aluminium for the overhead electrical cables that run power around the aircraft. State two properties of aluminium that make it suitable for use in overhead electrical cables.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   An electrician is wiring a new house and must choose a suitable metal for the internal electrical cabling, which needs to conduct electricity efficiently throughout the building.

   (a)

   Which property makes copper the preferred choice for household electrical wiring?

   [1 mark]

   • ALow melting point
   • BGood electrical conductivity
   • CLow density
   • DBrittleness

   (b)

   The electrician needs the cable to be drawn out into a long thin wire that can be bent around corners without snapping. Which physical property of copper allows this?

   [1 mark]

   • AHigh reactivity
   • BLow density
   • CDuctility
   • DPoor conductivity

   (c)

   State two physical properties of copper that together explain why it is widely used in electrical wiring.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A food packaging company tests aluminium containers used for storing acidic canned foods over many months to check whether the metal reacts with the food.

   (a)

   Explain why aluminium containers remain safe for storing acidic food for long periods, even though aluminium is a fairly reactive metal.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   The same company is deciding whether to also market aluminium as a material for cooking foil, saucepan bases and food storage trays. Describe four properties of aluminium, across all of these uses, that make it a versatile choice for food-related products.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A design team is producing an educational poster explaining why aluminium is used in three very different applications: aircraft manufacture, overhead electrical cables, and food containers.

   (a)

   Describe, with reference to the relevant physical properties in each case, why aluminium is a suitable material for all three uses.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   The same design team also wants a poster panel comparing copper's use in electrical wiring with aluminium's use in overhead electrical cables. Describe the physical properties that make copper suitable for electrical wiring, and explain why aluminium, not copper, is generally chosen for very long overhead cables.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions