Material Selection & Properties Flashcards
7 cards from real PC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Material Selection & Properties flashcards as text
Which type of pipe joint is formed by heating copper and applying solder that is drawn in by capillary action?
Answer: Sweat (soldered) joint
A sweat or soldered joint relies on capillary action to draw molten solder into the gap between the pipe and fitting when heat is applied.
What is the main advantage of using PEX-A tubing over PEX-B or PEX-C in cold-climate installations?
Answer: PEX-A has the highest degree of cross-linking and better freeze resistance
PEX-A has the highest degree of cross-linking, giving it superior flexibility and the ability to expand and recover, which provides better freeze resistance.
Which material is MOST resistant to scale buildup from hard water?
Answer: PEX
PEX has a smooth interior and does not react with minerals in hard water, resulting in minimal scale accumulation over time.
In which application would Schedule 80 PVC be required instead of Schedule 40 PVC?
Answer: Higher-pressure cold water supply or industrial applications
Schedule 80 PVC has thicker walls and higher pressure ratings, making it necessary for industrial or higher-pressure cold water applications.
Which type of valve body material offers the BEST performance in seawater or highly corrosive environments?
Answer: Stainless steel
Stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance in highly aggressive environments including seawater and acidic or caustic fluids.
What property of DWV-grade copper tubing distinguishes it from pressure-rated copper Types K, L, and M?
Answer: DWV copper has the thinnest walls and is rated for gravity drainage only, not pressure
DWV copper has the thinnest walls of all copper designations and is designed only for gravity drain, waste, and vent applications, not pressurized water supply.
Which characteristic makes HDPE pipe well-suited for trenchless pipe rehabilitation (pipe bursting)?
Answer: It is highly flexible and has high tensile strength to withstand the bursting process
HDPE's flexibility and high tensile strength allow it to be pulled through a burst pipe without fracturing, making it ideal for trenchless replacement.