Metals

• What are the two basic groups of metals?

  Ferrous and non-ferrous
• What is an alloy?


  An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals combined to produce a new material with different properties
• What do ferrous metals contain?


  Iron
• Why do ferrous metals need protection against corrosion?


  Because they generally tend to corrode (rust)
• What is a common characteristic of almost all ferrous metals?


  They are magnetic
• Name three examples of ferrous metals.


  Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel
• What do non-ferrous metals not contain?


  Iron
• What is a key property of non-ferrous metals?


  They will not corrode (rust)
• Name three examples of non-ferrous metals.


  Aluminium, Brass, Copper
• What are the characteristics of Mild Steel?


  Mild Steel is the most common ferrous metal, soft, cheap, strong, rusts easily, and cannot be hardened or tempered
• What are some common uses of Mild Steel?


  Nuts, bolts, stool legs, washing machines, car bodies
• How does Carbon Steel differ from Mild Steel?


  Carbon Steel is harder than Mild Steel, can be tempered and hardened, but will rust
• What are some common uses of Carbon Steel?


  Saws, files, chisels, drill bits
• What is a key property of Stainless Steel?


  It is a hard metal that will not rust
• What are some common uses of Stainless Steel?


  Sinks, kettles, medical equipment, cutlery
• What are the characteristics of Aluminium?


  Aluminium is light, soft, easily shaped, silvery in colour, cheap, strong, conducts heat and electricity well, corrosion resistant, and polishes well
• What are some common uses of Aluminium?


  Window frames, saucepans, cooking foil, aircraft
• What are the characteristics of Copper?


  Copper is tough, easily shaped and soldered, soft, malleable, ductile, conducts heat and electricity well, and is expensive
• What are some common uses of Copper?


  Water pipes, wires, cisterns
• What are the characteristics of Brass?


  Brass is malleable, machines well, has a dull yellow colour, does not tarnish, and is harder than copper or zinc
• What are some common uses of Brass?


  Door handles, letter boxes, musical instruments, valves
• What are the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?

  • Ferrous metals contain iron and tend to rust.
  • Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and do not rust.
• What are the properties and uses of the following metals: Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Copper, and Brass?


  • Mild Steel: Soft, cheap, strong; uses: nuts, bolts, washing machines.
  • Carbon Steel: Hard, can be tempered; uses: saws, files, chisels.
  • Stainless Steel: Hard, rust-resistant; uses: sinks, kettles, cutlery.
  • Aluminium: Light, corrosion-resistant; uses: window frames, saucepans.
  • Copper: Tough, conducts electricity; uses: water pipes, wires.
  • Brass: Malleable, does not tarnish; uses: door handles, musical instruments.