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Engineering materials

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

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

Ferrous metals (contain iron) and non-ferrous metals, common examples and their properties, and why alloys are used to improve a base metal.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, with common examples (mild steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass) and their properties and uses.
9 min answer →

How do we group engineering materials and describe what they do?

The main categories of engineering material (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) and the mechanical, physical and aesthetic properties used to describe and compare them.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on grouping materials into metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, and the key properties (strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, conductivity) used to compare them.
9 min answer →

How do polymers and composites differ and why are composites so useful?

Thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers, their properties and uses, and how composites combine materials to give a better performance than either part alone.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers and composites, including common examples, properties, uses, and why composites such as GRP and CFRP outperform their parts.
9 min answer →

How does an engineer choose the right material for a job?

Selecting a material by matching its properties to the product requirements, while balancing cost, availability, sustainability and aesthetics.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on choosing materials by matching properties to function and weighing cost, availability, sustainability and aesthetics, using a clear selection method.
9 min answer →

What are smart and modern materials and how do they respond to their surroundings?

Smart materials that change a property in response to a stimulus, and modern materials developed through new processing, with examples and uses.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on smart materials that respond to a stimulus (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, piezoelectric materials) and modern materials such as graphene, with their properties and uses.
9 min answer →