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 |
