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Medieval Metals Investigation

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Medieval Metals Investigation

A museum is preparing a medieval forge display. Use the evidence and science in this worksheet to decide which metal would suit each job. For questions 5–7, analyse the supplied test results; no physical testing is needed.

Evidence from the forge

Iron and bronze were both used in medieval societies, but for different purposes. Bronze is an alloy—usually copper mixed with tin. Iron is an element; heating and working it can change its shape and properties. A metal’s usefulness depends on properties such as hardness, strength, malleability (how easily it can be shaped without breaking) and corrosion resistance. Iron can rust when exposed to oxygen and water. Bronze generally resists corrosion better, although its exact properties depend on its composition and manufacture.

Test

Iron sample

Bronze sample

Hardness score (out of 10)

Force to bend (N)

Corrosion after exposure (score out of 10)

Investigate and decide

1.Which statement correctly describes bronze?

A pure metal made only of copper
An alloy usually made from copper and tin
A type of iron ore
A metal that cannot corrode

2.Name the two main metals in typical bronze, and explain what the word alloy means.

3.Which sample was harder in the scratch test? Use the scores as evidence.

4.Which sample was more malleable according to the bend test? Explain how the force results support your answer.

5.Which sample showed greater corrosion resistance? Refer to the corrosion scores and explain what they mean.

6.A museum wants a replica blade that is less likely to bend during use. Recommend iron or bronze using at least two pieces of test evidence. State one limitation of using these results to predict a real medieval blade’s performance.

7.A bronze fitting will be used outdoors where it may get wet. What evidence makes bronze a sensible choice, and what should the museum still consider?

8.Identify one variable that should be kept the same to make a fair comparison of the metals, and explain why.

9.The technician repeats the bend test three times on each sample. Why is repeating a test useful, and what could the technician do with the results?

10.Finish the museum label in two or three sentences: explain why iron and bronze could both be valuable materials, rather than one being best for every job.