Torsion — twisting force. Drive shaft, screwdriver turning a screw.
Bending — force that curves a material. Loaded shelf, diving board, floor joist.
Shear — two opposing parallel forces causing sliding or cutting. Scissors cutting fabric, bolt in a joint, chisel cutting wood.
Material properties
Strength — ability to resist forces without breaking.
Hardness — resistance to surface scratching and indentation (not the same as strength).
Toughness — ability to absorb impact energy without fracturing. Opposite of brittle. AQA key definition.
Elasticity — ability to return to original shape after force is removed. Spring steel, rubber.
Plasticity — ability to be permanently deformed without fracturing. Allows forming processes.
Ductility — ability to be drawn into wire (a type of plasticity). Copper wire.
Malleability — ability to be hammered/pressed into shape without cracking. Sheet metal forming.
Exam questions — 4 questions · 10 marks · real AQA 8552 past papers
Extended questions included — read the hint. AI marks against the AQA 8552 mark scheme.
1 markDrive shaft forceAQA 8552 style
A car drive shaft transmits power from the engine to the wheels by rotating. What type of force does it primarily experience?
A Tension
B Compression
C Torsion
D Shear
1 markThermal conductivityAQA 8552 Nov 2021 Q4
A designer is selecting material for a saucepan base. Which property is most important?
A High electrical conductivity
B High thermal conductivity
C High opacity
D High tensile strength
4 marksForces on a loaded shelfAQA 8552 style
A timber shelf is supported at both ends with a heavy load of books at the centre. Describe the forces acting and which part of the shelf is in tension and which in compression. (4 marks)
Hint: Bending creates compression on the top surface (squashed) and tension on the bottom (stretched). Explain each and say where in the component.
+40 XP
2 marksDefine toughnessAQA 8552 Nov 2021 Q4 style
Define toughness as a material property and give one example of a product where this property is essential. (2 marks)
Hint: Toughness = absorbs impact WITHOUT fracturing. Not the same as hardness. Give the definition then a specific product where impact resistance matters.