Materials: Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals is one of 8 topics in the Grade 10 Mechanical Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which type of steel contains the least carbon and is the easiest to weld and machine?
Low carbon steel
Medium carbon steel
High carbon steel
Cast iron
Answer: Low carbon steel — Low carbon steel (mild steel) contains the least carbon of the three carbon steels, making it relatively soft, easily machined and readily welded.
Easy
2. Which ferrous alloy contains chromium and gives strong resistance to corrosion, making it suited to kitchen equipment and medical instruments?
Stainless steel
Grey cast iron
Low carbon steel
White cast iron
Answer: Stainless steel — Stainless steel is a ferrous alloy containing chromium (and often other elements) that gives it strong corrosion resistance compared to plain carbon steel.
Medium
3. Name the form of cast iron whose carbon is present mainly as graphite flakes, giving it good compressive strength and machinability but low tensile strength.
Answer: grey cast iron — Grey cast iron has its carbon present mainly as graphite flakes, giving good compressive strength, vibration damping and machinability, but comparatively low tensile strength and brittleness.
