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NCEA L1 Materials Tech study materials
NCEA L1 Materials Tech study resources

NCEA L1 Materials Tech practice questions

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Question 1Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is choosing a material for a school bag handle that must flex repeatedly without snapping. Which property matters most?

  1. Toughness Correct answer.
  2. Hardness
  3. Melting point
  4. Electrical conductivity

Explanation

Toughness describes a material's ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing, so repeated bending is exactly what it measures. Hardness resists surface scratching, melting point relates to heat, and conductivity relates to electricity, none of which address repeated flexing.

Question 2Materials Technology (Level 1)

In a materials technology workshop, which piece of personal protective equipment is essential when using a disc sander?

  1. Safety glasses Correct answer.
  2. Steel-capped boots
  3. Ear defenders only
  4. A dust mask only

Explanation

A disc sander throws fine particles and debris towards the operator's face, so safety glasses protect the eyes from impact and dust. Boots protect feet from dropped stock but not eyes, ear defenders address noise, and a dust mask addresses inhalation, so only safety glasses directly guard against flying particles.

Question 3Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which tool is used to check whether a machined edge is square to a face?

  1. Engineer's try square Correct answer.
  2. Vernier caliper
  3. Marking gauge
  4. Centre punch

Explanation

An engineer's try square has a stock and blade fixed at exactly 90 degrees, letting the user compare an edge against a known right angle. A vernier caliper measures length, a marking gauge scribes parallel lines, and a centre punch marks hole positions, so none checks squareness.

Question 4Materials Technology (Level 1)

A hardwood such as oak is best described as coming from which type of tree?

  1. A cone-bearing evergreen tree
  2. A grass such as bamboo
  3. A palm with a fibrous trunk
  4. A broad-leaved deciduous tree Correct answer.

Explanation

Hardwoods come from broad-leaved trees, most of which are deciduous, and their structure includes vessels. Softwoods come from conifers, while palms and bamboos are monocots with quite different fibrous structures that are not classified as hardwood or softwood timber.

Question 5Materials Technology (Level 1)

What does the term 'kerf' refer to when cutting material with a saw?

  1. The length of the saw blade
  2. The width of material removed by the blade Correct answer.
  3. The angle of the saw teeth
  4. The speed of the saw stroke

Explanation

Kerf is the slot of removed material left by a saw cut, and it equals the set width of the teeth. It matters because it must be allowed for when marking out to a finished size. Tooth angle, blade length, and stroke speed are separate characteristics of the saw.

Question 6Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which fastening method allows a joint in timber to be taken apart and reassembled without damaging the material?

  1. PVA glue
  2. Wood screws Correct answer.
  3. Panel pins
  4. Dovetail joint

Explanation

Wood screws are removable fasteners, so a screwed joint can be undone and remade with the same components. Glue creates a permanent chemical bond, panel pins are driven and difficult to remove cleanly, and a dovetail is an interlocking permanent joint.

Question 7Materials Technology (Level 1)

A designer wants a product to be easily recycled at end of life. Which approach best supports this?

  1. Coating the product in a mixed-material laminate
  2. Bonding several materials permanently together
  3. Embedding metal inserts into a plastic shell
  4. Using a single material that can be separated easily Correct answer.

Explanation

Recycling is easiest when a product uses one identifiable material that can be separated from other components. Permanently bonded mixed materials, laminates, and embedded inserts make separation difficult and often send the product to landfill instead.

Question 8Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which of these is a thermoplastic rather than a thermosetting plastic?

  1. Melamine
  2. Epoxy resin
  3. Polyester resin
  4. Polystyrene Correct answer.

Explanation

Thermoplastics soften when heated and can be reshaped repeatedly, and polystyrene behaves this way. Epoxy, melamine, and polyester resins are thermosets that cure permanently and cannot be remelted and reformed.

Question 9Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student marks out a 120 mm length on a steel bar using a steel rule and scriber. Which practice gives the most accurate result?

  1. Marking with a pencil and estimating
  2. Measuring from each end and averaging
  3. Scribing from a datum face and measuring once Correct answer.
  4. Using a tape measure held at an angle

Explanation

Working from a single datum face avoids accumulating error and keeps measurements consistent. Averaging two independent measurements, pencil marking, and an angled tape all introduce avoidable inaccuracy compared with a single datum-based scribed line.

Question 10Materials Technology (Level 1)

A manufacturer needs a batch of identical plastic casings with a smooth finish. Which process is most suitable?

  1. Hand lay-up
  2. Injection moulding Correct answer.
  3. Vacuum forming
  4. Die casting

Explanation

Injection moulding forces molten thermoplastic into a closed steel mould, producing large numbers of identical parts with good surface finish. Hand lay-up and vacuum forming give less consistent detail, and die casting is used for metals rather than plastics.

Question 11Materials Technology (Level 1)

Why is a fillet often designed into the internal corner of a moulded plastic component?

  1. To reduce stress concentration at the corner Correct answer.
  2. To allow the part to be glued more easily
  3. To make the part cheaper to paint
  4. To increase the melting point of the plastic

Explanation

Sharp internal corners concentrate stress and can cause cracking under load, so a fillet spreads the load over a larger radius. Painting cost, melting point, and gluing are unrelated to the corner radius, so the fillet is a stress-management feature.

Question 12Materials Technology (Level 1)

A wooden chair leg has split along the grain at a screw hole. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The screw was too short
  2. The screw head was countersunk
  3. The timber was too dry
  4. The pilot hole was too small for the screw Correct answer.

Explanation

Driving a screw into a hole smaller than the screw's core diameter forces the timber apart along the grain, which is its weakest direction. Screw length, moisture content, and countersinking affect holding power or finish but do not directly split the leg along the grain in this way.

Question 13Materials Technology (Level 1)

In a product lifecycle assessment, which stage often has the largest environmental impact for a simple timber stool?

  1. Retail display
  2. Packaging design
  3. Extraction and processing of the raw material Correct answer.
  4. Customer assembly

Explanation

For simple low-energy products, the material extraction and processing stage usually dominates the lifecycle impact because logging, transport, and milling consume significant resources. Packaging, retail, and assembly are comparatively minor contributors for a basic timber product.

Question 14Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which property makes aluminium a popular choice for lightweight bicycle frames?

  1. High strength-to-weight ratio Correct answer.
  2. High electrical resistance
  3. Low thermal expansion
  4. High magnetic permeability

Explanation

Aluminium alloys offer good strength for their low density, which is why they suit weight-sensitive structures such as bicycle frames. Magnetic permeability, thermal expansion, and electrical resistance are not the reasons aluminium is chosen for frames.

Question 15Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student needs to bend a 3 mm acrylic strip into a smooth curve. Which method is most appropriate?

  1. Soaking it in cold water and forcing it
  2. Cutting a series of slots and folding
  3. Hammering it over a sharp edge
  4. Heating along the bend line and bending while soft Correct answer.

Explanation

Acrylic is a thermoplastic, so localised heating softens it and allows a controlled bend without cracking. Hammering, slotting, and cold forcing all risk brittle fracture or an uneven result rather than a smooth curve.

Question 16Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which surface finish would best protect a steel garden gate from corrosion while also allowing a colour choice?

  1. Galvanising
  2. Oiling
  3. Powder coating Correct answer.
  4. Anodising

Explanation

Powder coating fuses a coloured polymer layer over the steel, providing a barrier against moisture with a wide colour range. Oiling needs frequent renewal, galvanising gives a metallic grey finish rather than a colour choice, and anodising applies to aluminium rather than steel.

Question 17Materials Technology (Level 1)

A batch of wooden toys must be produced to a consistent size and finish. Which approach best supports quality control?

  1. Relying on each worker's judgement
  2. Increasing the production speed
  3. Checking only the final product at random
  4. Using jigs and templates for each operation Correct answer.

Explanation

Jigs and templates standardise each operation so every part is made to the same dimensions, which reduces variation. Individual judgement, random final checks, and higher speed do not systematically control consistency across a batch.

Question 18Materials Technology (Level 1)

Why is a draft angle added to the vertical walls of a vacuum-formed or moulded part?

  1. To make the part heavier
  2. To improve electrical conductivity
  3. To increase the wall thickness
  4. To allow the part to be released from the mould Correct answer.

Explanation

A slight taper on vertical walls lets the formed or moulded part slide out of the mould without dragging or distortion. Draft angles do not change wall thickness, weight, or conductivity in any meaningful way, so release is the purpose.

Question 19Materials Technology (Level 1)

A prototype hinge keeps failing where the pin passes through the plastic lug. Which redesign best addresses fatigue failure?

  1. Increase the lug thickness and add a radius at the joint Correct answer.
  2. Reduce the pin diameter
  3. Remove the lug entirely
  4. Use a thinner plastic in the lug

Explanation

Fatigue cracks start where stress is concentrated, so adding material and a radius at the lug spreads the load and lowers stress. A smaller pin, no lug, or thinner plastic all increase stress concentration and make failure more likely.

Question 20Materials Technology (Level 1)

A product must survive being dropped repeatedly onto a hard floor. Which material property combination is most important?

  1. High hardness with low toughness
  2. High impact resistance with good toughness Correct answer.
  3. High density with low strength
  4. High stiffness with low elasticity

Explanation

Impact resistance and toughness allow a material to absorb the energy of a drop by deforming rather than cracking. Hardness with low toughness makes a material brittle, high stiffness with low elasticity transfers energy, and high density with low strength offers no protection.

Question 21Materials Technology (Level 1)

A workshop uses a jig to drill repeated holes in identical metal plates. What is the main advantage of this approach?

  1. It eliminates the need for any measuring tools
  2. It allows the drill speed to be ignored
  3. It improves accuracy and reduces marking time per part Correct answer.
  4. It removes the need for clamping

Explanation

A jig locates the workpiece and guides the drill so every hole lands in the same place, which improves consistency and removes repeated marking. It does not eliminate measuring, control drill speed, or replace clamping, all of which remain necessary for safe accurate work.

Question 22Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student compares two timber samples: one has straight, even grain and the other has interlocking, wavy grain. Which statement best explains the difference in working behaviour?

  1. The interlocking grain will always be stronger in compression
  2. The straight grain cannot be glued
  3. The interlocking grain is more likely to tear out when planed against the grain direction Correct answer.
  4. The straight grain will absorb more water

Explanation

Interlocking or wavy grain changes direction along the board, so planing against the rising fibres lifts and tears them. Compression strength, water absorption, and gluing are not determined simply by grain straightness, so tear-out is the reliable difference described.

Question 23Materials Technology (Level 1)

A company wants to reduce material waste when cutting shapes from sheet metal. Which strategy is most effective?

  1. Using a larger cutting tool
  2. Cutting each shape from a separate sheet
  3. Increasing the sheet thickness
  4. Nesting the shapes closely on the sheet before cutting Correct answer.

Explanation

Nesting arranges the shapes so offcuts are minimised, which directly reduces waste per sheet. Using separate sheets, thicker material, or a larger tool all increase waste or cost rather than reduce it.

Question 24Materials Technology (Level 1)

A plastic component must be both rigid and resistant to scratching in service. Which material choice best meets both requirements?

  1. A soft flexible elastomer
  2. A thin thermoplastic film
  3. A low-density foam
  4. A glass-filled thermoplastic with a hard surface additive Correct answer.

Explanation

Glass reinforcement raises stiffness while a hard surface additive improves scratch resistance, so the combination meets both needs. Elastomers are flexible, foams are low in stiffness, and thin films lack rigidity, so none satisfies both requirements.

Question 25Materials Technology (Level 1)

A product made from a thermosetting composite has failed by delamination between layers. Which factor is the most likely cause?

  1. Using a mould release agent
  2. Cutting the part with a saw after curing
  3. Excessive pigment in the resin
  4. Poor bonding between layers during lay-up Correct answer.

Explanation

Delamination occurs when the bond between successive layers is weak, often from contamination, incomplete wetting, or poor consolidation during lay-up. Pigment level, release agent, and post-curing cutting do not normally cause layers to separate in this way.

Question 26Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is selecting a material for a school project and reads that a material is described as 'malleable'. Which behaviour does this describe when the material is worked?

  1. It can be drawn out into long thin wire without breaking
  2. It resists being scratched by a sharp point
  3. It returns to its original shape after being stretched
  4. It can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without cracking Correct answer.

Explanation

Malleability is the ability of a material to be deformed plastically in compression, so it can be hammered or rolled into sheet. Ductility is the related property of being drawn into wire, and hardness describes resistance to scratching.

Question 27Materials Technology (Level 1)

A hardwood such as oak is chosen for a dining table top. Which combination of properties best explains why hardwood is preferred over a softwood for this use?

  1. Lower cost and easier to sand to a fine finish
  2. Better electrical insulation and lower thermal mass
  3. Higher density and greater resistance to wear Correct answer.
  4. Greater flexibility and lower weight per unit volume

Explanation

Hardwoods are generally denser and harder than softwoods, giving better wear resistance on a surface that receives heavy use. Softwoods are typically softer and less durable in a high-wear surface such as a table top.

Question 28Materials Technology (Level 1)

A workshop stores sheet acrylic and sheet polypropylene side by side. Which statement correctly distinguishes a thermoplastic from a thermosetting plastic?

  1. A thermoplastic is joined only with adhesives, while a thermosetting plastic is joined only with heat
  2. A thermoplastic is always transparent, while a thermosetting plastic is always opaque
  3. A thermoplastic contains reinforcing fibres, while a thermosetting plastic never does
  4. A thermoplastic softens when reheated and can be reshaped, while a thermosetting plastic cannot Correct answer.

Explanation

Thermoplastics can be repeatedly softened by heat and reshaped because their polymer chains are not cross-linked. Thermosetting plastics form permanent cross-links during curing, so they char or degrade rather than soften on reheating.

Question 29Materials Technology (Level 1)

A designer is choosing a finish for a batch of mild steel brackets that will be handled daily indoors. Which finish is a metallic coating applied by dipping the steel into molten zinc?

  1. French polishing
  2. Anodising
  3. Galvanising Correct answer.
  4. Powder coating

Explanation

Galvanising coats steel with zinc, either by hot dipping or electroplating, and the zinc sacrifices itself to protect the steel. Anodising is an oxide treatment for aluminium, and powder coating is a polymer finish rather than a metallic one.

Question 30Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student needs to cut a straight line across a 6 mm plywood sheet using a tenon saw. Which workshop practice best supports an accurate, safe cut?

  1. Hold the plywood by hand over the bench edge and saw towards the body
  2. Clamp the plywood to a bench hook and guide the saw against the hook's back edge Correct answer.
  3. Mark the line in pencil and cut freehand without any support
  4. Support the plywood on two blocks and start the cut at the far corner

Explanation

A bench hook holds the work securely and its back edge acts as a fence to guide the saw square to the face. Clamping also keeps both hands free to control the saw safely.

Question 31Materials Technology (Level 1)

A product is described as being made from a composite material. Which description best defines a composite?

  1. A plastic that has been coloured with pigment during moulding
  2. A single metal that has been heat treated to increase its strength
  3. A timber that has been kiln dried to reduce its moisture content
  4. Two or more distinct materials combined so each contributes different properties to the whole Correct answer.

Explanation

A composite combines two or more materials that remain distinguishable, such as fibres in a resin matrix, so the properties of each contribute to the product. The constituents work together rather than forming a single homogeneous material.

Question 32Materials Technology (Level 1)

A batch of identical wooden pencil cases must be produced with the same overall dimensions. Which measurement tool is most appropriate for checking the outside length of each finished case quickly?

  1. Vernier callipers Correct answer.
  2. A steel rule
  3. A marking gauge
  4. A try square

Explanation

Vernier callipers measure external dimensions to a fraction of a millimetre and can be used repeatedly for quick checks. A steel rule is less precise for checking a finished dimension, and the other tools serve different purposes.

Question 33Materials Technology (Level 1)

Which term describes the property of a material that allows it to be stretched or bent and then return to its original shape when the force is removed?

  1. Brittleness
  2. Plasticity
  3. Elasticity Correct answer.
  4. Toughness

Explanation

Elasticity is the ability to recover the original shape after deformation, as seen in a rubber band or spring steel. Plasticity is permanent deformation, brittleness is fracturing without deformation, and toughness is resistance to impact.

Question 34Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student plans to join two pieces of 12 mm pine at right angles to form a small box corner. Which joint relies on interlocking shaped ends and gives a strong glued corner in solid timber?

  1. A comb or finger joint Correct answer.
  2. A butt joint with a single screw
  3. A dowel joint
  4. A halving joint

Explanation

A comb joint, also called a finger joint, interlocks a series of shaped fingers that greatly increase the glued surface area. This makes a strong corner in solid timber without relying on fasteners alone.

Question 35Materials Technology (Level 1)

A workshop is cutting identical plastic discs from 2 mm high-impact polystyrene sheet for a game. Which process is best suited to producing many identical discs with a clean edge?

  1. Hand cutting each disc with a coping saw
  2. Laser cutting from a nested layout Correct answer.
  3. Turning each disc on a wood lathe
  4. Vacuum forming over a disc-shaped former

Explanation

Laser cutting follows a digital layout and produces repeatable, clean edges, and nesting the discs reduces waste. Hand cutting gives variation between parts, and the other processes do not produce flat discs with a clean edge.

Question 36Materials Technology (Level 1)

A batch of laser-cut acrylic keyrings shows slight scorch marks along the cut edges. Which adjustment is most likely to reduce this defect?

  1. Increase the thickness of the acrylic sheet
  2. Reduce the laser power or increase the cutting speed so less heat is absorbed Correct answer.
  3. Increase the number of passes made at full power
  4. Increase the laser power and slow the cutting speed

Explanation

Scorching occurs when too much heat is absorbed by the material, so reducing power or increasing speed limits the heat input. Adjusting the settings to suit the material thickness produces a cleaner cut edge.

Question 37Materials Technology (Level 1)

A designer is choosing a material for a food storage container that must be lightweight, tough and able to be washed repeatedly. Which material choice best meets these requirements?

  1. Cast iron
  2. Mild steel
  3. Polypropylene Correct answer.
  4. Borosilicate glass

Explanation

Polypropylene is a tough, lightweight thermoplastic with good chemical resistance and is commonly used for reusable food containers. The other materials are heavier or brittle and less suited to a lightweight, tough container.

Question 38Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is marking out a mortise on a piece of timber and needs a line parallel to the edge at a set distance. Which marking-out tool is designed for this task?

  1. A try square
  2. A centre punch
  3. A steel rule
  4. A marking gauge Correct answer.

Explanation

A marking gauge has an adjustable stock and a spur that scribes a line parallel to a face or edge at a set distance. It is the standard tool for transferring a dimension along a length of timber.

Question 39Materials Technology (Level 1)

A manufacturer wants to reduce the environmental impact of a plastic product at end of life. Which design decision best supports this aim?

  1. Bonding a metal insert permanently into the plastic body
  2. Combining several polymers in a single inseparable moulding
  3. Applying a full-coverage painted finish to the plastic
  4. Using a single polymer type and labelling it for recycling Correct answer.

Explanation

Using one polymer type makes the product easier to identify and recycle without separating mixed materials. Permanent inserts and inseparable mixed materials make recycling more difficult or impossible.

Question 40Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is using a pillar drill to drill a 6 mm hole in an aluminium plate. Which practice best protects the workpiece and the operator?

  1. Hold the plate by hand and start the drill at high speed
  2. Wear gloves while holding the plate near the rotating bit
  3. Clamp the plate to the drill table and use a centre punch mark to locate the drill Correct answer.
  4. Support the plate on a loose block and drill without clamping

Explanation

Clamping the workpiece stops it spinning or lifting, and a centre punch mark prevents the drill wandering. Gloves near a rotating bit are a snagging hazard and should not be worn.

Question 41Materials Technology (Level 1)

A product must be both rigid and resistant to scratching during service. Which material choice best meets both requirements?

  1. An unfilled silicone rubber
  2. A soft low-density polyethylene
  3. A glass-filled nylon Correct answer.
  4. A flexible PVC sheet

Explanation

Glass reinforcement raises the stiffness of nylon, and the harder surface resists scratching better than soft polymers. The other options are flexible or soft and would not provide rigidity.

Question 42Materials Technology (Level 1)

A workshop produces a run of identical metal brackets and uses a jig for the drilling operation. Which statement best explains why the jig improves quality?

  1. It changes the material properties of the bracket during drilling
  2. It locates each workpiece in the same position so every hole is drilled in the same place Correct answer.
  3. It allows the drill speed to be increased without any risk
  4. It removes the need for any measurement or marking out during design

Explanation

A jig holds the workpiece and guides the tool, so each part is located identically and the hole position is repeatable. This reduces variation between parts and the need for individual marking out.

Question 43Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is comparing two timber samples. One has straight, even grain and the other has interlocking, wavy grain. Which statement best describes the likely working behaviour of the wavy-grained sample?

  1. It will be easier to plane to a smooth finish than straight-grained timber
  2. It will be unsuitable for any glued joint
  3. It will have lower shrinkage than straight-grained timber
  4. It is more likely to tear out during planing and may need a reduced cutting angle Correct answer.

Explanation

Interlocking or wavy grain presents fibres at varying angles to the cutter, so it is more prone to tear-out during planing. A reduced cutting angle or a sharp, finely set plane helps produce a clean surface.

Question 44Materials Technology (Level 1)

A designer is specifying a finish for an outdoor timber bench that must resist water and allow the wood grain to remain visible. Which finish best meets these requirements?

  1. A clear varnish applied over bare damp timber
  2. A wax polish only
  3. A thick opaque gloss paint
  4. A penetrating oil or wood stain with a water-repellent additive Correct answer.

Explanation

A penetrating oil or stain soaks into the timber and repels water while leaving the grain visible. Opaque paint hides the grain, and wax alone gives limited weather protection.

Question 45Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is choosing a material for a component that will be repeatedly bent in service, such as a spring clip. Which property is most important for the component to avoid permanent deformation?

  1. A high density
  2. A high melting point
  3. A high elastic limit Correct answer.
  4. A high thermal conductivity

Explanation

A high elastic limit means the material can be stressed heavily and still return to its original shape without permanent deformation. This is the key property for a spring clip that must flex repeatedly.

Question 46Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is asked to explain why a product should be designed for disassembly. Which reason best supports this approach?

  1. Components can be separated and recovered for reuse or recycling Correct answer.
  2. The product becomes heavier and more durable
  3. The product becomes cheaper to advertise
  4. The product requires more fasteners during manufacture

Explanation

Designing for disassembly means joints can be opened so parts are separated into material streams for reuse or recycling. This reduces waste and supports a circular approach to materials.

Question 47Materials Technology (Level 1)

A manufacturer is selecting a process for a short run of 50 identical plastic casings with a smooth finish and moderate tooling cost. Which process is most appropriate?

  1. Injection moulding with a machined aluminium mould Correct answer.
  2. 3D printing each casing with a rough surface finish
  3. Hand laying each casing from glass fibre and resin
  4. Vacuum forming over a single wooden former

Explanation

Injection moulding produces repeatable, smooth parts and an aluminium mould is a lower-cost tooling option for a short run. Hand lay-up and single-former vacuum forming give more variation, and rough 3D-printed surfaces do not meet the smooth finish requirement.

Question 48Materials Technology (Level 1)

A plastic component is failing at a sharp internal corner during repeated loading. Which redesign best addresses the fatigue failure?

  1. Reduce the wall thickness at the corner
  2. Increase the internal corner radius to reduce stress concentration Correct answer.
  3. Change the material to a more brittle polymer
  4. Add a sharp undercut at the corner

Explanation

Sharp internal corners concentrate stress and are common initiation points for fatigue cracks. A larger radius spreads the stress over a greater area and improves the fatigue life of the part.

Question 49Materials Technology (Level 1)

A student is comparing two adhesives for joining aluminium sheet. One is a two-part epoxy and the other is a solvent-based contact adhesive. Which statement best explains the choice for a structural joint?

  1. The epoxy forms a rigid, high-strength bond suited to structural loading Correct answer.
  2. Both adhesives give equal strength on aluminium regardless of preparation
  3. The solvent adhesive is better because it needs no surface preparation
  4. The contact adhesive gives a stronger bond because it dries quickly

Explanation

Two-part epoxies cure to a rigid, high-strength bond and are used for structural joints when surfaces are properly prepared. Contact adhesives are suited to lighter, flexible bonds rather than structural loading.

Question 50Materials Technology (Level 1)

A designer is assessing a timber stool over its whole lifecycle. Which stage is likely to have the largest environmental impact when the timber is sourced from clear-felled forest?

  1. Extraction and processing of the raw timber Correct answer.
  2. Using the stool indoors for several years
  3. Disposing of the stool in a landfill
  4. Applying a small amount of wax to the finished stool

Explanation

Extraction and processing of raw timber, especially from clear-felled forest, carries impacts from habitat loss, transport and milling energy. This stage typically dominates the lifecycle impact for a simple timber product.