Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Chemistry · Higher
Bicycle frame material evaluation
Table 3 shows information about two materials used to make bicycle frames.
| Aluminium alloy | Bamboo | |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | aluminium ore | bamboo plant |
| Cost of frame in £ | 250 | 1500 |
| Strength in arbitrary units | 290 | 193 |
| Mass in kilograms | 1.6 | 2.4 |
| Lifespan in years | 6–10 | 10–15 |
| One method of disposal at end of life | recycled to make new products | burned to produce heat energy |
Evaluate the use of aluminium alloy and of bamboo for making bicycle frames. Use Table 3.
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Marking points
- 1 Uses a sufficient range of relevant comparisons from Table 3 and/or the official life-cycle implications, considering both aluminium alloy and bamboo.
- 2 Logically links material properties or life-cycle data to consequences for a bicycle frame or the environment.
- 3 Gives a reasoned overall judgement that is supported by the comparison for the highest level.
Full-mark answer
Aluminium alloy is cheaper (£250 rather than £1500), stronger (290 rather than 193 units) and lighter (1.6 kg rather than 2.4 kg), so it should withstand larger forces and make the bicycle easier to carry. However, aluminium ore is finite and mining it is polluting. Its 6–10 year lifespan is shorter, although the frame can be recycled to conserve ore. Bamboo is renewable and lasts 10–15 years, and at the end of its life it can provide renewable heat energy. However, growing it uses agricultural land, and the frame is more expensive, weaker and heavier. Overall, aluminium alloy is the better choice where cost, strength and low mass are most important, provided it is recycled, while bamboo has advantages in renewability and lifespan.
Why this answer loses marks
Aluminium alloy is best because it is stronger.
This uses only one advantage, says nothing about bamboo or wider criteria, and does not weigh the trade-offs before judging.