chemistryTopic 2 · Bonding, Structure and PropertiesPaper 1Grades 8–9
Why did two heat-shield materials fail differently?
Starting scenario
Material A melts at 801 °C, conducts only when molten and fractures under impact. Material B has a very high melting point, conducts electricity as a solid and bends before breaking. A third carbon-based coating is light and conducts but oxidises at high temperature.
You will work through 8 staged questions that build up the science you need. Then you will answer one big-picture question from memory, with no checklist to help you — and only afterwards will the full connection map be revealed.