Using Metals (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Written by: Stewart Hird
Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham
Uses of metals
The uses of aluminium, copper and steel are summarised in these tables:
Uses of Aluminium
Use | Property |
|---|---|
Aircraft bodies | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Mild | 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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