Edexcel GCSE DT (9-1)- Exam Style Question- 1.1-1.17

Explain one reason why unemployment in the UK may rise as new and emerging technologies develop

As new and emerging technology's develop, so does its ability to do human labour. This means that robots will be assigned to human tasks and be able to do them quicker, more accurately and without the need of breaks- rendering humans redundant.

Explain one benefit of crowd funding that can help to promote new and emerging technologies.

By crowd funding, you will already have a large potential market as the large amount of people all contributing a small amount have already shown interest.

Explain two ways in which a shampoo manufacturer could change the packaging of its products to reduce its transportation costs.

You could change from diesel intensive lorries to electric trains or vehicles, this would massively reduce costs as electricity is much cheaper and you can transport much more on trains than on lorries. They could also make fewer journeys by establishing more distribution centres near the end destinations.

Explain one advantage of a company employing migrant workers.

Immigrants can bring a new set of skills into the workplace that a company didn't previously have.

Explain two ways in which a company that produces television's could reduce packaging waste.

They could recycle there packaging and reuse it making it cheaper and causing less packaging to be wasted. They could also reuse the waste packaging in the same manufacturing process which would also reduce costs and waste.

Explain two methods that a company could use to relocate its manufacturing operation to a developing country.

A company could claim that its helping the developing country as its opening more jobs there which will rise employment levels and the GDP of the country. A company could also say that it will be providing new products to the developing country that would help it increase it in developing such as agricultural tools.

Explain two reasons why coal is classified as non-renewable

Because it can not be replenished quickly and will eventually run out. It is formed from dead animal remains and takes millions of years to do.

Explain the steps involved in carrying out an LCA

1) Raw material extraction and processing

2) Product/part manufacture and assembly

3) Product/part transportation and distribution

4) Product/consumer use

5) Product disposal or recovery at the end of its useful life.

Explain one reason why solar cells are more environmentally friendly than rechargeable cells

Rechargeable cells can leak chemicals into the water that are very harmful to fish, whereas collar power is clean and free.

Evaluate the use of a wind farm for generating electricity in the countryside.

Rechargeable cells can leak chemicals into the water that are very harmful to fish, whereas collar power is clean and free.

Explain two factors that determine the most appropriate energy source for powering a bedroom desk lamp.

Environmental impact: people may want to use a lamp that does the least damage to the environment as possible by using something like an LED rather than filament bulb.

Cost: they might also want to purchase the lamp that will be cheapest to run.

Explain one advantage of conductive inks

It is lighter and more economical that traditional circuit boards

Give three properties of plywood sheeting

It has a high strength to weight ratio in all directions

It has high impact resistance

It is versatile so can be used indoors and outdoors

Explain one benefit of using environmentally friendly textiles to make a pair of school trousers

It is processed with fewer chemicals and is naturally more resistant to mould and pests

State the type of movement of a car travelling along a motorway

Linear/Rotary???

Explain how you can create a larger output movement from the reverse motion linkage shown to the left

By making the middle piece longer

What is the equation for VR (Velocity Ratio)?

VR=Distance moved by effort/Distance moved by load

What is the equation for efficiency?

MA (Mechanical Advantage)/VR (Velocity Ratio) x 100

What is the equation for output speed?

Input Speed/ Gear Ratio

Explain two reasons why stainless steel would be chosen over mild steel for the bolts on a bicycle

Stainless steel is corrosion resistant but mild steel isn't so it couldn't be used outside. Stainless steel also resists wear better than mild steel does so it will have a longer life.

Explain two reasons why aluminium would be used for drinks cans in preference to mild steel

Aluminium is easily machined and cans can be produced quickly whereas mild steel has high tensile strength and is difficult to cut. It also has a good strength to weight ratio whereas mild steel will be too heavy to hold.

Explain the difference in structure of thermoforming and thermosetting polymers

Thermoforming polymers are long chains of atoms but thermosetting polymers have cross links which makes it not possible to reshape them once they have been heated once.

Explain one reason why children's toys are made from HIPs (High Impact Polystyrene)

Because it is a lightweight material and has high stiffness which means it can withstand children playing with it and dropping it.

Give one property of stainless steel that makes it an appropriate material for cuttlery

It resists wear which means it will have a long life and be able to cut tough food without being damaged