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‘Natural fibres are fashionable and the fibre of choice for many young designers.’ (i) Classify natural fibres and give one example in each class - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2017
Question 2(b)
‘Natural fibres are fashionable and the fibre of choice for many young designers.’ (i) Classify natural fibres and give one example in each class. (ii) Name an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Natural fibres are fashionable and the fibre of choice for many young designers.’ (i) Classify natural fibres and give one example in each class - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2017
Step 1
Classify natural fibres and give one example in each class.
Answer
Natural fibres can be classified into two primary categories: animal fibres and plant fibres.
1. Animal Fibres
- Example: Wool
Wool is derived from sheep and is known for its warmth and elasticity, making it a popular choice in textiles.
2. Plant Fibres
- Example: Cotton
Cotton is harvested from the cotton plant and is widely used for clothing due to its softness and breathability.
Step 2
Name and describe one test to identify a natural fibre.
Answer
Burn Test
To identify a natural fibre, the burn test can be used. Here’s how it is conducted:
- Cut a small piece of the fibre from the material you want to test.
- Hold it with tweezers over a flame-proof dish, using a source of flame like a match or a lighter.
- Observe the burning behaviour:
- If the fibre ignites and burns steadily, it typically indicates that it is a natural fibre.
- The ash left after burning should be evaluated. Natural fibres tend to leave behind a soft, ash-like substance, while synthetic fibres can melt or form beads.
- If the fibre self-extinguishes after the flame is removed, it may suggest that it is indeed natural; for instance, silk exhibits this characteristic by leaving a dark, gritty ash after combustion.