CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science C9.2 Uses of metals Water Exam Style Questions Paper 2
Question
Which statement is not a reason why aluminium is used in aircraft manufacture?
A. It forms low density alloys
B. It is malleable
C. It is more reactive than iron
D. It is resistant to corrosion
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: While aluminium is more reactive than iron (C), this is not a reason for its use in aircraft. Its key advantages are:
- Low density alloys reduce weight (A)
- Malleability allows shaping (B)
- Corrosion resistance increases durability (D)
Reactivity is irrelevant to its aircraft applications.
Question
Four properties of metals are listed:
1. high melting point
2. low density
3. resistance to corrosion
4. conducts electricity
Which properties make aluminium suitable for use in cans containing drinks?
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 and 4
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: For drink cans, the most important properties are:
- Low density (2) – makes cans lightweight
- Resistance to corrosion (3) – prevents reaction with drinks
While electrical conductivity (4) is a metallic property, it’s not relevant for cans. High melting point (1) isn’t specifically required for this application.
Question
Some properties of aluminium are listed.
1. conducts electricity
2. malleable
3. resistant to corrosion
Which properties make aluminium suitable for use as food containers?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation: For food containers, malleability (2) allows shaping into containers, and corrosion resistance (3) prevents contamination. Electrical conductivity (1) is irrelevant for food containers, eliminating options A, B and C.
Question
Which row describes the properties of a metal that is used to make aircraft parts?
| density | strength | resistance to corrosion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | high | high | low |
| B | high | low | high |
| C | low | high | high |
| D | low | low | low |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Aircraft metals need low density (for weight), high strength (for durability), and high corrosion resistance (for longevity). Aluminum alloys typically meet these requirements.