Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 4.1 Properties of Materials with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 4.1 Properties of Materials and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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The table below lists the characteristics of four different smart materials.
A product designer is selecting a material for a smartphone screen. Which mechanical property is the primary requirement for ensuring the surface resists scratching from everyday objects such as keys or coins?
| Material | Triggering Stimulus | Observed Response |
|---|
| W | UV radiation | Reversible change in colour |
| X | Mechanical stress | Generation of a small electric voltage |
| Y | Thermal energy | Reversion to a pre-programmed shape |
| Z | Physical pressure | Significant drop in electrical resistance |
Which material in the table displays the properties of a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)?
The production of gold leaf involves hammering the metal into extremely thin, continuous sheets for use in decorative arts. Which mechanical property of gold allows it to be shaped in this way without fracturing?
A product designer is choosing a material for the outer casing of a premium smartphone. They require a material that is highly resistant to surface scratches and permanent indentation from everyday contact with keys and coins. Which property is the designer primarily seeking?
A material scientist is comparing the mechanical failure modes of four different industrial components during a standardized stress test. The observations from the failure analysis are summarized in the table below:
| Component | Primary Observation at Fracture |
|---|---|
| Component 1 | The sample underwent substantial plastic flow and thinning before the final rupture. |
| Component 2 | The component failed abruptly without any visible signs of yielding or stretching. |
| Component 3 | The part experienced a slow, continuous change in shape while held under a steady load. |
| Component 4 | The material exhibited a linear and fully reversible strain response to the applied load. |
Which component's behavior is most characteristic of a brittle material?
Material W
Material X
Material Y
Material Z
Hardness
Toughness
Elasticity
Stiffness
