UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING EXAMINATIONS/ Assignment 1 2025
Minor test 1
EMT1501
Engineering Materials
Welcome to the EMT1501 Assignment
Date: 14 April
Time: 8 am
Hours: 36 hours
Examiner name: Ms. A. Osman
Internal moderator name: Dr. R. Roopchund
This paper consists of 3 pages.
Total marks: 50
Number of pages: 3
Instructions:
(insert instructions to students here)
•
Include reference to additional information sheets if applicable.
•
Include instruction on the platform and specific submission tool.
Additional student instructions
1. Students must upload their answer scripts in a single PDF file (answer scripts must not be
password protected or uploaded as “read only” files)
2. Incorrect file format and uncollated answer scripts will not be considered.
3. NO emailed scripts will be accepted.
4. Students are advised to preview submissions (answer scripts) to ensure legibility and that
the correct answer script file has been uploaded.
5. Incorrect answer scripts and/or submissions made on unofficial examinations platforms
(including the invigilator cell phone application) will not be marked and no opportunity will
be granted for resubmission. Only the last answer file uploaded within the stipulated
submission duration period will be marked.
6. Mark awarded for incomplete submission will be the student’s final mark. No opportunity for
resubmission will be granted.
7. Mark awarded for illegible scanned submission will be the student’s final mark. No
opportunity for resubmission will be granted.
8. Submissions will only be accepted from registered student accounts.
9. Students suspected of dishonest conduct during the examinations will be subjected to
disciplinary processes. Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity and students who
plagiarise, copy from published work or Artificial Intelligence Software (e.g., ChatGPT) or
online sources (e.g., course material), will be in violation of the Policy on Academic
Integrity and the Student Disciplinary Code and may be referred to a disciplinary hearing.
Unisa has a zero tolerance for plagiarism and/or any other forms of academic dishonesty.
10. Non-adherence to the processes for uploading assessment responses will not qualify the
student for any special concessions or future assessments.
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Question 1
1.1 Magnesium is seldom used in its pure form in structural applications. Explain why
magnesium is usually alloyed with other elements and describe two key benefits
gained from alloying magnesium for industrial use.
(5)
1.2 An alloy is composed of 92% magnesium and 8% zinc by mass. If a component
is made from 3.5 kg of this alloy:
1.2.1 Calculate the mass of zinc present.
(2)
1.2.2 If the density of the alloy is 1740 kg/m³, calculate the volume of the component.
(3)
[10 MARKS]
Question 2
Classify the following materials into metals, ceramics, polymers, or composites.
Justify each answer briefly:
(a) Glass
(2)
(b) Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic
(2)
(c) Polyethylene
(2)
(d) Cast iron
(2)
(e) Alumina (Al₂O₃)
(2)
[10 MARKS]
Question 3
What properties should be considered when selecting a material for the following
applications? Briefly explain why:
(a) Electrical wiring
(2)
(b) Cutting tools
(2)
(c) Window glass
(2)
(d) Car body panels
(2)
(e) Kitchen utensils
(2)
[10 MARKS]
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Question 4
4.1 Describe the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
(4)
4.2 What are the primary types of crystal structures found in metals? Provide one
example for each type.
(6)
4.3 Discuss the significance of understanding atomic bonding in materials science.
(4)
4.4 What are the common applications of aluminium and its alloys?
(6)
[20 MARKS]
TOTAL MARKS: 50
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UNISA 2025
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