Smart and Modern Materials Quiz (20 Questions)

What is a smart material?

• A material used in smartphones

• A material that reacts to external stimuli

• A synthetic material

• A recyclable material

Answer explanation

A smart material is defined as a material that reacts to external stimuli, such as temperature, light, or pressure, allowing it to change its properties or behavior in response to those changes.

Which of the following is a smart material?

• Carbon fibre

• Acrylic

• Thermochromic pigment

• MDF

Answer explanation

Thermochromic pigment is a smart material that changes color in response to temperature changes, making it unique compared to the other options like carbon fibre, acrylic, and MDF, which do not exhibit such properties.

What does a thermochromic pigment do?

• Changes shape with heat

• Changes colour with temperature

• Conducts electricity

• Expands with moisture

Answer explanation

A thermochromic pigment changes colour with temperature, allowing it to visually indicate heat variations. This property distinguishes it from other options like shape change or moisture expansion.

Which stimulus affects photochromic materials?

• Pressure

• Temperature

• Light

• Moisture

Answer explanation

Photochromic materials change their color in response to light exposure. This property allows them to absorb UV light and alter their structure, making light the primary stimulus affecting them.

Which material changes shape when an electric current is applied?

Answer explanation

The material that changes shape when an electric current is applied is called a piezoelectric material. These materials deform in response to an electric field, allowing them to convert electrical energy into mechanical movement.

What is Nitinol an example of?

• A thermosetting plastic

• A smart polymer

• A shape memory alloy

• A bioplastic

Answer explanation

Nitinol is a shape memory alloy, which means it can return to a predetermined shape when heated. This property distinguishes it from thermosetting plastics, smart polymers, and bioplastics.

Which of the following is a feature of a modern material?

• Expensive to produce

• Reacts to sunlight

• Developed through new manufacturing processes

• Only made from natural resources

Answer explanation

Modern materials are often developed through new manufacturing processes, which enhance their properties and applications. The other options do not universally apply to modern materials.

Which smart material is used in mood rings and baby spoons?

• Hydrochromic

• Thermochromic pigment

• Electro-luminescent wire

• Polymorph

Answer explanation

Thermochromic pigments change color in response to temperature variations, making them ideal for mood rings and baby spoons, which react to body heat or liquid temperature.

What is the primary function of quantum tunnelling composite (QTC)?

• Insulation

• Shock resistance

• Changes electrical resistance under pressure

• Waterproofing

Answer explanation

Quantum tunnelling composite (QTC) primarily changes its electrical resistance under pressure, making it useful in various applications like pressure sensors and switches.

Which material would best suit a self-darkening welding helmet?

• Photochromic

• Thermochromic

Answer explanation

Photochromic materials change their tint in response to light exposure, making them ideal for self-darkening welding helmets. Thermochromic materials react to temperature, which is not suitable for this application.