Using Metals (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

Revision Note

Test yourself

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

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

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 Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.