Woldia University Institute Technology

School Of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Materials II Question Bank

May 2024
Multiple Choice Question: Choose the Best Answer from the Given Alternatives
1. The phase transformation that occurs when pure iron is cooled from high
temperatures is:
A. Austenite to ferrite C. Austenite to martensite
B. Ferrite to cementite D. Cementite to graphite
2. The microstructure of steel with a carbon content between 0.8% and 2.0% is
primarily composed of:
A. Ferrite and cementite C. Martensite and cementite
B. Austenite and cementite D. Pearlite and cementite
3. The property of steel that is significantly improved by the formation of martensite
in the microstructure is:
A. Toughness C. Hardness
B. Ductility D. Electrical conductivity
4. The heat treatment process that transforms the microstructure of steel from
pearlite to martensite is called:
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Tempering
5. What is the name of the phase transformation that occurs in iron-carbon alloys
when austenite transforms to ferrite and cementite?
A. Pearlitic transformation C. Martensitic transformation
B. Bainitic transformation D. Eutectic transformation
6. The microstructure consisting of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite is
known as:
A. Austenite C. Martensite
B. Pearlite D. Bainite
7. Increasing the carbon content in an iron-carbon alloy leads to:
A. Increased hardness C. Increased ductility
B. Decreased toughness D. Both a and b
8. The phase transformation that occurs in iron-carbon alloys when austenite
transforms to a mixture of ferrite and cementite is called:
A. Eutectoid transformation C. Eutectic transformation
B. Peritectic transformation D. Allotropic transformation
9. The phase transformation that occurs in iron-carbon alloys at around 723°C is
known as:
A. The eutectoid transformation C. The eutectic transformation
B. The peritectic transformation D. The martensitic transformation

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10. The microstructure of a steel with a carbon content of 0.8% that has been slowly
cooled is known as:
A. Pearlite C. Cementite
B. Ferrite D. Martensite
11. Which of the following heat treatments can be used to increase the hardness and
strength of steel?
A. Annealing C. Quenching and tempering
B. Normalizing D. All of the above
12. The microstructure of a steel with a carbon content of 1.2% that has been rapidly
cooled is known as:
A. Pearlite C. Martensite
B. Bainite D. Tempered martensite
13. The property of steel that is most affected by the carbon content is:
A. Corrosion resistance C. Thermal expansion
B. Electrical conductivity D. Hardness and strength
14. Which of the following is a phase that can exist in an iron-carbon alloy?
A. Ferrite C. Austenite
B. Cementite D. All of the above
15. Which of the following heat treatment processes can be used to increase the
toughness of a steel alloy?
A. Quenching C. Normalizing
B. Tempering D. Both b and c
16. The process of removing impurities from iron ore and reducing it to metallic iron
is called:
A. Smelting C. Casting
B. Refining D. Reduction
17. The heat treatment process that involves heating a metal above its
recrystallization temperature, holding it at that temperature, and then slowly
cooling it is called:
A. Annealing C. Tempering
B. Quenching D. Normalizing
18. The heat treatment process that involves heating a metal to a specific temperature,
holding it at that temperature, and then rapidly cooling it is called:
A. Annealing C. Tempering
B. Quenching D. Normalizing

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19. The primary raw material used in the production of steel is:
A. Iron ore C. Coal
B. Scrap metal D. a and c
20. The heat treatment process that involves rapid cooling of steel to increase its
hardness is:
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Tempering
21. The purpose of the tempering process in heat treatment of steel is to:
A. Increase hardness C. Increase strength
B. Increase toughness D. Increase ductility
22. Cast iron is a
A. ductile material C. brittle material
B. malleable material D. tough material
23. What is the primary characteristic of the microstructure of coarse pearlite?
A. Fine, evenly distributed lamellar structure
B. Coarse, alternating layers of ferrite and cementite
C. Dendritic pattern of austenite grains
D. Randomly oriented, equiaxed grains
24. Which of the following phases has a fine, evenly distributed lamellar structure of
ferrite and cementite?
A. Coarse pearlite C. Bainite
B. Fine pearlite D. Spheroidite
25. The micro-structure of bainite is characterized by:
A. Coarse, alternating layers of ferrite and cementite
B. Fine, needle-like or lath-like structures
C. Randomly distributed, globular cementite particles
D. Highly twinned, distorted crystal structure
26. The micro-structure of spheroidite is composed of:
A. Closely spaced, alternating ferrite and cementite layers
B. Randomly distributed, spherical cementite particles in a ferrite matrix
C. Heavily dislocated, tetragonal crystal structure
D. Fine, lath-like structures of ferrite and cementite

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27. The characteristic microstructure of martensite is:
A. Coarse, alternating layers of ferrite and cementite
B. Fine, evenly distributed lamellar structure
C. Heavily dislocated, tetragonal crystal structure
D. Randomly distributed, spherical cementite particles
28. What is the typical appearance of the ferrite and cementite layers in coarse
pearlite under a microscope?
A. Thin, closely spaced layers
B. Thick, widely spaced layers
C. Highly interconnected, network-like structure
D. Randomly distributed, globular particles
29. Compared to fine pearlite, the mechanical properties of coarse pearlite are
typically:
A. Harder and more brittle C. Higher strength and toughness
B. Softer and more ductile D. Lower strength and toughness
30. The coarse lamellar structure of pearlite is formed by the cooperative growth of:
A. Ferrite and austenite C. Cementite and austenite
B. Ferrite and cementite D. Martensite and bainite
31. Which of the following is the primary raw material used in the blast furnace
process for producing pig iron?
A. Scarp material C. Coal
B. Iron ore D. Limestone
32. The process of removing impurities from pig iron to produce steel is called:
a) Smelting c) Casting
b) Refining d) Alloying
33. The addition of alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum to
steel is done to:
A. Increase strength and hardness C. Enhance magnetic properties
B. Improve corrosion resistance D. Both a and b
34. Which type of cast iron has the highest carbon content?
A. Gray cast iron C. White cast iron
B. Ductile (nodular) cast iron D. Malleable cast iron
35. The graphite in gray cast iron typically appears in what form?
A. Flakes C. Tempered spheroids
B. Nodules D. Uniformly dispersed

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36. Ductile (nodular) cast iron has improved ductility and toughness compared to
gray cast iron due to the presence of:
A. Flake graphite C. Tempered martensite
B. Spheroidal graphite D. Carbides
37. Malleable cast iron is produced by:
A. Annealing white cast iron
B. Alloying gray cast iron
C. Quenching and tempering ductile cast iron
D. Ladle treatment of molten gray cast iron
38. The addition of silicon to cast iron typically:
A. Increases the formation of graphite
B. Increases the formation of carbides
C. Decreases the strength and hardness
D. Both a and b
39. The heat treatment process that is used to relieve internal stresses and improve
machinability is
A. Normalizing C. Quenching and tempering
B. Spheroidizing D. Case hardening
40. Which heat treatment process involves heating steel above its critical temperature,
holding it,and then slowly cooling it?
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Tempering
41. The heat treatment process that involves heating steel to a specified
temperature,holding it, and then cooling it in air is called:
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Tempering
42. Tempering is typically performed after which heat treatment process?
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Both b and c
43. Which of the following is considered a non-ferrous metal?
A. Iron C. Copper
B. Steel D. Chromium
44. The non-ferrous metal that has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity is:
A. Aluminum C. Gold
B. Copper D. Silver

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45. Which non ferrous metal is known for its high corrosion resistance?
A. Aluminum C. Brass
B. Titanium D. Both a and b

46. The non-ferrous alloy that is commonly used in aerospace applications due to its
high strength-to-weight ratio is:
A. Brass C. Titanium alloy
B. Bronze D. Nickel-based superalloy
47. The non-ferrous metal that is used extensively in electronic devices and wiring
due to its excellent electrical conductivity is:
A. Aluminum C. Gold
B. Copper D. Zinc
48. Which of the following is the primary raw material used in the production of
primary aluminum?
A. Bauxite C. Alumina
B. Cryolite D. Soda ash
49. The process of extracting aluminum from its ore (bauxite) is called:
A. Smelting C. Electrolysis
B. Refining D. Alloying
50. Which of the following is a common heat treatment process for aluminum alloys?
A. Annealing C. Quenching
B. Normalizing D. Tempering
51. Aluminum alloys with magnesium as the primary alloying element are known for
their:
A. High strength-to-weight ratio C. Good machinability
B. Excellent corrosion resistance D. All of the above
52. Aluminum alloys containing copper as the primary alloying element are known
for their
A. High strength and hardness C. Excellent electrical conductivity
B. Good machinability D. All of the above
53. The addition of silicon to aluminum alloys improves their:
A. Corrosion resistance C. Electrical conductivity
B. Castability D. Both a and b
54. What is the primary reason for the increasing use of magnesium and its alloys in
the automotive industry?
A. High strength-to-weight ratio C. Easy machining
B. Low cost D. Excellent corrosion resistance

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55. Which of the following is a concern with the use of magnesium alloys?
A. Low thermal conductivity C. High flammability
B. Poor creep resistance D. All of the above

56. What is the primary advantage of titanium and its alloys over other metals?
A. High strength-to-weight ratio C. Easy machinability
B. Low cost D. Excellent corrosion resistance
57. Which of the following is a drawback of using titanium and its alloys?
A. Poor thermal conductivity C. Low wear resistance
B. High cost D. Both a and b
58. Which of the following is a characteristic of ceramic materials?
A. High hardness C. Brittleness
B. Low thermal conductivity D. All of the above
59. Ceramic materials with high alumina content are known for their:
A. High strength C. Excellent electrical insulation
B. Low thermal expansion D. All of the above
60. Ceramic materials with high alumina content are commonly used in:
A. Cutting tools C. Structural components
B. Dental implants D. All of the above
61. Ceramic matrix composites are used in applications in applications
A. Thermal conductivity is required
B. Electrical conductivity is required
C. Thermal and mechanical performance is required
D. None of the above
62. Which of the following is a key characteristic of glass materials?
A. High thermal conductivity C. Amorphous structure
B. Crystalline structure D. Poor chemical resistance
63. Refractory materials are used in applications that require high:
A. Electrical conductivity C. Thermal resistance
B. Thermal conductivity D. Mechanical strength
64. The primary raw material used in the production of Portland cement is:
A. Limestone C. Alumina
B. Silica D. Gypsum
65. Which of the following is a common application of abrasive ceramic materials?
A. Cutting tools C. Structural components
B. Biomedical implants D. Electrical insulators

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66. The process of removing volatile components from ceramic materials during the
manufacturing process is known as:
A. Drying C. Calcining
B. Debinding D. Both b and c

67. Which of the following is a characteristic of polymers?

A. High tensile strength C. Repeated monomer units
B. Low thermal conductivity D. Both b and c
68. The process of forming a polymer from its monomers is called:
A.Polymerization C. Crosslinking
B. Vulcanization D.Copolymerization
69. Which type of polymer is known for its high resistance to chemicals and heat?
A.Thermoplastic C. Elastomer
B. Thermoset D.Biopolymer
70. The property of a polymer to return to its original shape after the removal of an
applied stress is known as:
A. Viscoelasticity C. Elasticity
B. Ductility D. Rigidity
71. The addition of fillers or reinforcements to a polymer matrix to improve its
properties is known as
A. Blending C. Compounding
B. Copolymerization D. Extrusion
72. Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic polymer?
A. Polyethylene C. Vulcanized rubber
B. Epoxy D. Phenolic
73. A polymer that can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling
is called a:
A. Thermoset C. Thermoplastic
B. Elastomer D. Biodegradable polymer
74. Polymers that can be easily molded and shaped when heated, but do not soften
upon reheating are known as:
A. Thermoplastics C. Elastomers
B. Thermosets D. Biopolymers
75. Which of the following is an example of a synthetic elastomer?
A. Natural rubber C. Styrene-butadiene rubber
B. Polyisoprene D. Both b and c

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76. Polymers derived from natural sources, such as starch, cellulose, or proteins, are
called:
A. Thermoplastics C. Biopolymers
B. Thermosets D. Elastomers

77. Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic polymer?

A. Polyethylene C. Vulcanized rubber
B. Epoxy resin D. Phenolic resin
78. Which of the following is a type of additive used to improve the thermal stability
of a polymer?
A. Plasticizer C. Flame retardant
B. Antioxidant D. Colorant
79. The function of a filler in a polymer composite is to:
A. Improve mechanical properties
B. Enhance thermal conductivity
C. Reduce cost
D. All of the above
80. The primary function of the reinforcement in a composite material is to:
A. Provide strength and stiffness
B. Improve thermal and electrical conductivity
C. Reduce cost
D. Both a and b
81. Which of the following is an example of a natural fiber used in composite
materials?
A. Carbon fiber C. Kevlar fiber
B. Glass fiber D. Sisal fiber
82. The property of a composite material that allows it to withstand high compressive
loads without failure is called:
A. Tensile strength C. Compressive strength
B. Flexural strength D. Impact resistance
83. The main purpose of using a matrix in a composite material is to:
A. Provide strength
B. Protect the reinforcement
C. Transfer load to the reinforcement
D. All of the above

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84. Which of the following is an example of a ceramic-matrix composite?
A. Fiberglass
B. Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer
C. Aluminum-matrix composite
D. Silicon carbide-reinforced alumina
85. The continuous phase in a composite material that surrounds and supports the
reinforcement is called the:
A. Matrix C. Interfacial layer
B. Reinforcement D. Coupling agent
86. The matrix material in a polymer-matrix composite is typically:
A. Stronger than the reinforcement
B. Weaker than the reinforcement
C. Equal in strength to the reinforcement
D. None of the above
87. Which of the following is a type of particle-reinforced composite?
A. Concrete
B. Fiberglass
C. Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer
D. Aluminum-matrix composite

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 Answer key
1. A 30. B 59. D
2. D 31. B 60. D
3. C 32. B 61. C
4. C 33. D 62. C
5. A 34. C 63. C
6. B 35. A 64. A
7. D 36. B 65. A
8. A 37. A 66. D
9. A 38. D 67. D
10. A 39. A 68. A
11. C 40. A 69. B
12. C 41. B 70. C
13. D 42. D 71. C
14. D 43. C 72. A
15. D 44. D 73. C
16. C 45. D 74. B
17. A 46. C 75. D
18. B 47. B 76. C
19. D 48. A 77. A
20. C 49. C 78. B
21. B 50. A 79. D
22. C 51. D 80. A
23. B 52. A 81. D
24. B 53. D 82. C
25. B 54. A 83. D
26. B 55. C 84. D
27. C 56. A 85. A
28. B 57. D 86. B
29. D 58. D 87. A

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