0654.C9.3.02 — State that alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals and are more useful: past paper questions

Real questions on 0654.c9.3.02 — state that alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals and are more useful

The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0654/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]

   State the meaning of the term alloy.

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2. 0654/32 · May/June 2025 · Q7d(iii)[1]

   Stainless steel is another alloy. State why stainless steel is used in cutlery.

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3. 0654/32 · February/March 2021 · Q2d(i)[1]

   State the term used to describe a mixture of metals.

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4. 0654/11 · May/June 2019 · Q22[1]

   Which properties make aluminium suitable for use as food containers?

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5. 0654/21 · May/June 2019 · Q23[1]

   Which properties make aluminium suitable for use as food containers?

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What examiners said

This question was well answered by most candidates, with those that gained credit generally referring to resistance to rusting or steel being strong. Candidates should be encouraged not to comment on cost in this type of question.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/32 Q7(d)(iii) (Cambridge)

Candidates were able to distinguish between the properties of aluminium that make it suitable for making food containers, and other properties of aluminium.

— Examiner report, May/June 2019, 0654/11 Q22 (Cambridge)

Candidates were easily able to distinguish between the properties of aluminium that make it suitable for making food containers, and other properties of aluminium.

— Examiner report, May/June 2019, 0654/21 Q23 (Cambridge)