1.5a. Which Cup Would You Use?

Consider a cup made of plastic. What are the pros of using plastic?

• Durability and lightweight

• Expensive and heavy

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Fragile and costly

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The cons of using a cup made of plastic include:

• Durability and long-lasting nature

• Environmental pollution and health risks

• Cost-effectiveness and lightweight

• Aesthetic appeal and variety of designs

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The pros of using ceramic are:

• Durability and heat resistance

• High electrical conductivity

• Prone to corrosion

• Heavy and difficult to handle

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What are cons of using a cup made of ceramic?

• Ceramic cups are fragile and can break easily.

• Ceramic cups are lightweight and easy to carry.

• Ceramic cups are resistant to heat and can be used in microwaves.

• Ceramic cups are inexpensive and widely available.

Consider a cup made of steel. What are the pros of using steel?

• Durability and strength

• Lightweight and flexible

• Corrosive and weak

• Expensive and rare

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What are the cons of using a cup made of steel?

• Steel cups are heavy and can be difficult to carry around.

• Steel cups are prone to rusting easily.

• Steel cups are not durable and break easily.

• Steel cups are not environmentally friendly.

What are your thoughts on using composite materials for cups?

• Composite materials are durable and lightweight, making them ideal for cups.

• Composite materials are not suitable for cups due to their high cost.

• Composite materials are environmentally friendly and sustainable for cup production.

• Composite materials are not safe for food and beverage use.

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In terms of properties, what’s the value of making composite materials?

• They are more cost-effective.

• They have enhanced strength and durability.

• They are easier to manufacture.

• They are environmentally friendly.

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The camping retailer also says its composite cup can be easily recycled. Why would this aspect of the material be important to some people?

• It reduces waste and environmental impact.

• It is cheaper to produce.

• It is more durable.

• It is more aesthetically pleasing.

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Based on this activity, which cup would you purchase? You may want to consider cost and properties. Research the cost of cups on the Internet, if needed. Explain the reason for your decision.

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