Unit 3: A3 Product in theory
Topic 3.2: Structural systems Questions
Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB Design Technology Topic 3.2. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.
1Explain3 marks
2026
Explain the difference between a static and a dynamic load, using a footbridge as the example.
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2026
A metal sample is loaded past its yield point and then unloaded. What happens?
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2026
Explain what a designer of a lightweight panel can take from the structure of a honeycomb.
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2026
Explain why a designer cannot make a plastic chair stiffer simply by choosing a stronger plastic.
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Why is a bone dense at its outer surfaces and spongy in the middle?
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2026
Two beams have identical cross-sections. Beam A is aluminium, beam B is steel. Which deflects more under the same load, and why?
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2026
Explain why a material with a high ultimate tensile strength may still be a poor choice for a safety helmet.
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2026
Explain why a high safety factor is not simply a good thing, using a vehicle as the example.
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A floor-standing lamp with a narrow base is reported as unsafe. Analyse the structure and recommend changes.
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Why does an I-beam put most of its material in the flanges?
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A lifting sling is rated for 500 kg and its material fails at 3,000 kg. What is the safety factor?
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Why does an aircraft component use a lower safety factor than a lift cable?
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2026
A glass panel in a shower screen is specified as toughened rather than annealed. Explain the failure argument behind this choice.
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On a stress-strain graph, what does the gradient of the straight initial portion represent?
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2026
Why does a rectangular frame need a diagonal brace?
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2026
A tall, narrow bookcase is not overloaded but tips over when a child pulls on a shelf. Which failure mode is this?
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Unlock Question17Analyse6 marks
2026
Analyse the structure of a bicycle, identifying frame, shell and solid elements and justifying each.
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A slender column fails at a load far below its crushing strength. What has happened?
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A bolt holding two steel plates together is cut cleanly across when the plates slide past each other. Which force did this?
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Why is a person jumping onto a diving board a dynamic load?
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