KS3 resistant materials - the properties of plastic and wood

Design/Technology Quiz - Resistant Materials 01 (Questions)

Materials choice matters in every product. Learn how wood, metals, and plastics behave, then use that knowledge to pick safer, stronger, longer-lasting materials for real designs.

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Fascinating Fact:

Grain direction matters in timber, because wood can split more easily along the grain. Cutting and joint choices often depend on which way the grain runs.

In KS3 D and T, pupils explore resistant materials and why they are chosen for different products. You learn to compare properties such as strength, toughness, flexibility, and resistance to wear, then select suitable materials for a specific purpose.

Key Terms

Property: A measurable characteristic of a material, such as hardness, strength, density, or how well it resists corrosion.
Toughness: A material’s ability to absorb impact without breaking, which matters for products that may be dropped or knocked.
Corrosion: Damage to a material caused by a chemical reaction, such as rusting in iron or steel when exposed to air and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are resistant materials in KS3 Design and Technology?

Resistant materials in KS3 D and T are materials used to make products that must be durable and practical, such as woods, metals, and polymers. You study how their properties affect performance and safety.

How do you choose the best material for a product in KS3 D and T?

You match material properties to the product’s job. For example, a handle needs toughness and grip, outdoor items need weather resistance, and food-related items need surfaces that are safe and easy to clean.

What is the difference between hardness and toughness in materials?

Hardness is resistance to scratching or indentation, while toughness is resistance to cracking or breaking under impact. A material can be hard but still brittle, so both matter in design decisions.

Try These Related Quizzes

A material with strong physical properties will .......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	bend and stretch easily
[ ]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

A transparent material is see-through. What is its opposite called?

[ ]	Block
[ ]	Hidden
[ ]	Opaque
[ ]	Solid

A material with dense physical properties will ......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	bend and stretch easily
[ ]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

Materials are affected by their surroundings. Many metals are ....... by air and water.

[ ]	attacked
[ ]	corroded
[ ]	discoloured
[ ]	dissolved

Wood is ....... by insects and fungi.

[ ]	attacked
[ ]	corroded
[ ]	discoloured
[ ]	dissolved

Many plastics become ....... with age.

[ ]	discoloured
[ ]	liquid
[ ]	rough
[ ]	rubbery

A material with stiff physical properties will .......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[ ]	not bend and stretch easily
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

Resistant materials that are designed to break down naturally are known as what?

[ ]	Biocompatible
[ ]	Biodegradable
[ ]	Biodynamic
[ ]	Bioenergetic

What does 'ferrous' mean?

[ ]	Containing or consisting mainly of iron
[ ]	Material that can withstand extreme cold
[ ]	Material that can withstand extreme heat
[ ]	Wood that has been attacked by woodworm

10.

A material with good thermal physical properties will .......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	allow heat to pass through it
[ ]	not bend and stretch easily
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

Design/Technology Quiz - Resistant Materials 01 (Answers)

A material with strong physical properties will .......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	bend and stretch easily
[x]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

Steel, acrylic and nylon are all examples

A transparent material is see-through. What is its opposite called?

[ ]	Block
[ ]	Hidden
[x]	Opaque
[ ]	Solid

Translucent is in-between transparent and opaque

A material with dense physical properties will ......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	bend and stretch easily
[ ]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[x]	weigh a lot for its size

Lead is very dense and it is used in the design of nuclear reactors to help to stop radiation from escaping

Materials are affected by their surroundings. Many metals are ....... by air and water.

[ ]	attacked
[x]	corroded
[ ]	discoloured
[ ]	dissolved

Corrosion is a chemical reaction

Wood is ....... by insects and fungi.

[x]	attacked
[ ]	corroded
[ ]	discoloured
[ ]	dissolved

Water is also a problem with some types of wood

Many plastics become ....... with age.

[x]	discoloured
[ ]	liquid
[ ]	rough
[ ]	rubbery

They can also become more brittle

A material with stiff physical properties will .......

[ ]	allow an electric current to flow through it
[ ]	carry a heavy load without breaking
[x]	not bend and stretch easily
[ ]	weigh a lot for its size

These materials are good for making the framework of things

Resistant materials that are designed to break down naturally are known as what?

[ ]	Biocompatible
[x]	Biodegradable
[ ]	Biodynamic
[ ]	Bioenergetic

Designing biodegradable materials helps to avoid long-term pollution. Some resistant materials e.g. wood are naturally biodegradable