Unit 5

Question 1

What is the source of paper?

Answer 1

Wood pulp from trees (mainly softwoods); also recycled paper and alternative fibers like bamboo or hemp.

Question 2

What is board?

Answer 2

A heavier, thicker paper product, usually over 200gsm. Includes card, corrugated card, and mount board.

Question 3

What does GSM stand for?

Answer 3

Grams per square metre – a measure of paper thickness and weight.

Question 4

What is corrugated card used for?

Answer 4

Packaging (e.g., delivery boxes); the fluted inner core provides cushioning and rigidity.

Question 5

What is duplex board?

Answer 5

A type of board with one smooth white side for printing and a grey reverse; often used in packaging like cereal boxes.

Question 6

What is the purpose of lamination in papers/boards?

Answer 6

Increases strength, water resistance, or surface finish by bonding layers or films.

Question 7

What is the purpose of embossing?

Answer 7

Raises parts of the paper/board surface for tactile or decorative purposes (e.g. luxury packaging).

Question 8

What is foil application?

Answer 8

Heat and pressure are used to apply metallic foil onto paper/board for visual impact.

Question 9

What are typical uses of cartridge paper?

Answer 9

High-quality drawing paper — used in art and design for sketching and rendering.

Question 10

Why is recycled paper less desirable for precision applications?

Answer 10

Fibres are shorter, affecting strength and finish — not suitable for detailed printing or structural packaging.

Question 11

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Answer 11

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (e.g. oak), are dense and durable; softwoods from coniferous trees (e.g. pine), grow faster and are lighter.

Question 12

What is plywood?

Answer 12

Manufactured board made of layers of veneer, glued with grain directions alternating for strength.

Question 13

What is MDF?

Answer 13

Medium-density fibreboard: made from wood fibres and resin, smooth and uniform, but dust is hazardous when cut.

Question 14

What is the advantage of manufactured boards?

Answer 14

Consistent properties, large sheet sizes, uses waste wood, generally cheaper than solid timber.

Question 15

What is seasoning?

Answer 15

Drying timber to reduce moisture content and avoid warping or fungal growth.

Question 16

What is a mortise and tenon joint?

Answer 16

A strong wood joint where a ‘tenon’ tongue fits into a matching rectangular ‘mortise’ hole.

Question 17

What is varnish used for?

Answer 17

A protective and often glossy finish for wood that enhances appearance and protects from moisture.

Question 18

What is dowelling?

Answer 18

A wood joining method using cylindrical wooden pegs inserted into aligned holes.

Question 19

What is chipboard?

Answer 19

Made from wood chips and resin. Cheap and brittle. Used in budget furniture (e.g. IKEA).

Question 20

Why does timber warp?

Answer 20

Uneven drying or moisture absorption causes internal stresses, leading to bending or twisting.

Question 21

What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?

Answer 21

Ferrous = contains iron, magnetic, rusts. Non-ferrous = no iron, doesn’t rust, usually lighter. Examples: steel vs aluminium.

Question 22

What is an alloy?

Answer 22

A metal made by combining two or more elements to improve properties (e.g. brass = copper + zinc).

Question 23

What is annealing?

Answer 23

Heating metal and allowing it to cool slowly to soften it and relieve internal stresses.

Question 24

What is tempering?

Answer 24

Reheating hardened metal to reduce brittleness while maintaining some hardness.

Question 25

What is case hardening?

Answer 25

Hardening the outer surface of low-carbon steel while keeping the core soft.

Question 26

What is the purpose of galvanizing steel?

Answer 26

Applying a zinc coating to prevent corrosion.

Question 27

What is aluminium used for?

Answer 27

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant — used in aircraft, cans, bike frames.

Question 28

Why is copper used in wiring?

Answer 28

Excellent electrical conductivity and ductility.

Question 29

What are the disadvantages of stainless steel?

Answer 29

Difficult to machine or weld due to its toughness and work-hardening nature.

Question 30

What is work hardening?

Answer 30

When metal becomes harder and more brittle as it's shaped or bent repeatedly due to internal changes in structure.

Question 31

What is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?

Answer 31

Thermoplastics soften with heat and can be reshaped; thermosets permanently set when first heated and can’t be remelted.

Question 32

Name three thermoplastics.

Answer 32

Acrylic (PMMA), polyethylene, polypropylene.

Question 33

Name two thermosetting plastics.

Answer 33

Epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde.

Question 34

What is injection moulding?

Answer 34

A manufacturing process where molten plastic is forced into a mould to form complex shapes. Used for mass production.

Question 35

Why is acrylic often used in schools?

Answer 35

It’s easy to cut and shape, has a glossy finish, and is available in many colours.

Question 36

What is vacuum forming used for?

Answer 36

Shaping thermoplastics around a mould using heat and vacuum. Common for packaging and trays.

Question 37

Why are thermosetting plastics used for electrical sockets?

Answer 37

They are heat-resistant and electrically insulating.

Question 38

What is plastic extrusion?

Answer 38

Forcing molten plastic through a shaped die to make continuous lengths (e.g. pipes).

Question 39

What is the environmental problem with many plastics?

Answer 39

Many are non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, contributing to landfill and ocean pollution.

Question 40

What is blow moulding used for?v

Answer 40

Making hollow plastic items like bottles by inflating a heated tube of plastic in a mould.

Question 41

What is the difference between natural and synthetic fibres?

Answer 41

Natural = from plants/animals (cotton, wool); Synthetic = man-made from chemicals (polyester, nylon).

Question 42

Name three natural fibres.

Answer 42

Cotton, wool, silk.

Question 43

Name three synthetic fibres.

Answer 43

Polyester, nylon, acrylic.

Question 44

What is a woven fabric?

Answer 44

Made by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles — warp and weft.

Question 45

What is a non-woven fabric?

Answer 45

Made without weaving — bonded (glued) or felted. Often used in disposable or technical applications.

Question 46

What are smart textiles?

Answer 46

Textiles that react to external stimuli (heat, moisture, electricity), e.g. shape-memory fibres or conductive threads.

Question 47

Why is polyester widely used?

Answer 47

Strong, crease-resistant, quick-drying, cheap — used in clothing, tents, ropes.

Question 48

What is felting?

Answer 48

Compressing wool fibres with moisture and heat to create a dense, matted fabric.

Question 49

What are blended fabrics?

Answer 49

Made by combining two or more fibres to improve properties (e.g. polycotton = durable and breathable).

Question 50

What is the selvage?

Answer 50

The tightly woven edge of a fabric that prevents fraying — runs parallel to the warp.