Using Metals (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)

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Uses of metals

  • The uses of aluminium, copper and steel are summarised in these tables:

Uses of aluminium

Use

Property

Aircraft bodiesĀ 

High strength-to-weight ratio (low density)

Saucepans

Very good conductor of heat and unreactive

Overhead electrical cables

Very good conductor of electricity

Food cans

Non-toxic, resistant to corrosion and resistant to acidic food stuffs

Uses of copper

Use

Property

Electrical wiring

Very good conductor of electricity and ductile

Saucepans

Very good conductor of heat, unreactive, malleable

Water pipes

Unreactive (does not react with water), non-toxic and malleable

Uses of iron

Use

Property

Building material

Good strength, malleable and ductile, relatively inexpensive

Catalyst

Variable oxidation state*

Increases the rate of reaction without being used up

* This is beyond the scope of this specification but included for completeness

Uses of steel

Type of steel

Iron alloyed with

Use

Property

MildĀ 

0.25% C

Car body panels and wiring

Soft and malleable

High carbon

0.5-1.4% C

Tools, e.g. chisels

Hard

Stainless

20% Cr and 10% Ni

Cutlery, sinks and chemical plants

Strong and resistant to corrosion

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.