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Natural fibres are a sustainable resource as they can be used without depleting or damaging the environment - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2018
Question 2(b)
Natural fibres are a sustainable resource as they can be used without depleting or damaging the environment. (i) Classify natural fibres, giving examples and uses i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Natural fibres are a sustainable resource as they can be used without depleting or damaging the environment - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2018
Step 1
Classify natural fibres, giving examples and uses in each case.
Answer
Natural fibres can be classified into two main categories: animal and plant fibres.
Animal Fibres
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Wool
- Example: Sheep wool
- Uses: Used for making warm clothing such as sweaters and blankets, as well as upholstery items.
-
Silk
- Example: Mulberry silk
- Uses: Commonly used in luxury garments, ties, and bed linens.
Plant Fibres
-
Cotton
- Example: Upland cotton
- Uses: Widely used in clothing, bed linens, and household items like curtains and cushions.
-
Linen
- Example: Flax linen
- Uses: Frequently used for tablecloths, clothing, and other home textiles.
Step 2
Explain how fibres can be identified using a burning test. Give one example.
Answer
Fibres can be identified through a burning test, which examines how a fibre reacts when exposed to a flame.
Procedure
- Hold a small piece of the fibre over a flame and observe the burning characteristics, including the flame color, smell, and ash residue.
Example
- Cotton: Burns quickly with a steady flame, producing a smell similar to burning paper, and leaves a gray ash.