Uses of metals
What is aluminium used for?
- Aluminium sits above hydrogen in the reactivity series, which means that is a reactive metal
- Aluminium quickly reacts with oxygen to form a protective layer of aluminium oxide, which is why aluminium appears to be unreactive
Uses of aluminium
|
Use |
Property |
|
aeroplane bodies |
high strength-to-weight ratio, low density |
|
overhead power cables |
good electrical conductor, low density |
|
saucepans |
good thermal conductor |
|
food cans |
non-toxic, resistant to corrosoin and acidic food stuffs |
What is copper used for?
- Copper sits below hydrogen in the reactivity series, which means that is an unreactive metal
- The uses of copper relate to its properties
- For example, it is an excellent electrical conductor and malleable so is used in wiring
Copper is usually the metal inside electrical wires due to it's high conductivity
Uses of copper
|
Use |
Property |
|
electrical wiring |
very good conductor of electricity and ductile |
|
pots and pans |
very good conductor of heat, unreactive, malleable |
|
water pipes |
non-toxic, unreactive (does not react with water) and malleable |
|
surface in hospitals |
antibacterial properties |
