Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Question 1

What are ferrous metals?

Answer 1

• Metals that contain iron and are magnetic are ferrous metals.
• They are prone to rust and require a protective finish to prevent corrosion.

Question 2

What are some ferrous metals and their properties/uses?

Answer 2

• Cast iron - brittle, strong, electrical/thermal conductivity, corrodes - gates, drains
• High carbon steel - hard, brittle, electrical/thermal conductor - screwdriver, chisel
• Low carbon steel (mild steel)- ductile, malleable, electrical/thermal conductor, corrodes - nuts/bolts, bikes, cars

Question 3

What are alloys?

Answer 3

An alloy is a mixture of metals with an element to improve its working properties or aesthetics.

Question 4

What are non-ferrous metals?

Answer 4

• Metals that do not contain iron and are not magnetic are non-ferrous metals.
• They are metals that do not rust.

Question 5

What are some non-ferrous metals and their properties/uses?

Answer 5

• Aluminium - lightweight, malleable, electrical/thermal conductor - cans, saucepans
• Copper - malleable, electrical/thermal conductor - plumbing, central heating
• Silver - soft/malleable when hot, corrosion resistance, conducts - jewelry

Question 6

What are some alloys and their properties/uses?

Answer 6

• Brass - non-ferrous, strong ductile, conductor - hinges, door handles, musical instruments.
• Bronze - non-ferrous, hard, corrosion resistant - bearings, outdoor mechanical
• Stainless steel - ferrous, hard, stain/corrosion resistant - kitchen sinks, cutlery

Question 7

What are the common properties of metals?

Answer 7

• Hardness – a metal’s ability to withstand friction and abrasion.
• Toughness – how well a metal can resist fracturing when force is applied.
• Elasticity – the rate at which a metal distorts in size and shape under stress.
• Conductivity – how well a metal allows electricity or heat to flow through it.
• Ductility – the ability of the metal to be drawn or deformed without fracture.
• Tensile strength – the amount of load a metal can withstand before failure.
• Malleability – the metal’s ability to be bent or shaped easily.

Question 8

How can metals be finished?

Answer 8

• Metal finishing is the process of placing a coating onto a metal for cleaning, polishing or improving the surface in a functional or visual context.
• Popular finishing processes for metals include electroplating, anodising, powder coating, hot blackening, brushing, sandblasting and buff polishing.