Metals

Question 1

What are the three types of metal?

Answer 1

Ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals
Alloys

Question 2

What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?

Answer 2

Ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals don’t

Question 3

List three ferrous metals

Answer 3

Mild steel
Medium Carbon steel
Cast Iron

Question 4

What are the properties and uses of Mild steel?

Answer 4

Mild steel is ductile, tough, malleable, and has high tensile strength. Has a 0.15 - 0.30 per cent carbon content. The melting temperature is 1427°C.
It is used in nuts, bolts, washers, screws, and car bodies

Question 5

What are the properties and uses of Medium Carbon Steel?

Answer 5

It is harder than low carbon steel but less ductile, malleable and tough. 0.30 - 0.70 per cent carbon content.
Used in springs and gardening tools

Question 6

What are the properties and uses of Cast iron?

Answer 6

Cast iron has a hard outer skin but brittle core, and is good under pressure. It is 3.5 per cent carbon and has a melting temperature of 1149°C.
It is used in Disc brakes, machine parts and engine blocks

Question 7

List four non-ferrous metals

Answer 7

Aluminium
Zinc
Tin
Copper

Question 8

What are the properties and uses of Aluminium?

Answer 8

Lightweight, ductile, malleable, corrosion resistant, and is a good electrical and thermal conductor. Can MIG and TIG heat welded.
Has a melting temperature of 660°C.
It is used in drinks cans, aircraft bodies, bike frames, window frames and saucepans

Question 9

What are the properties and uses of Zinc?

Answer 9

Zinc has a low melting point and good corrosion resistance. Has a melting temperature of 42°C.
It is used in buckets, farm gates and galvanising steel as a protective coating

Question 10

What are the properties and uses of Tin?

Answer 10

Tin is ductile, malleable and corrosion resistant. Melting temperature of 232°C.
It is used in soft soldering and coatings for food cans

Question 11

What are the properties and uses of Copper?

Answer 11

Copper is ductile, malleable, tough, corrosion resistant and is a good electrical and thermal conductor. Melting temperature is 1083°C.
It is used in electrical wiring, printed electrical circuits and water pipes

Question 12

What are Alloys?

Answer 12

They are metals made up of two or more metals, or combining two or more elements, one of which must be metal

Question 13

List three Alloys

Answer 13

Stainless steel
Duralumin
Brass

Question 14

What are the properties and uses of Stainless Steel?

Answer 14

Tough, hard and corrosion resistant. It is 18% chrome, 8% nickel. Melting point is 1510°C.
It is used in Sinks, kitchenware and cutlery

Question 15

What are the properties and uses of Duralumin?

Answer 15

Lightweight, ductile and becomes harder as it is worked. 4% Copper 1% Magnesium and Manganese.
It is used in Aircraft parts and vehicle parts

Question 16

What are the properties and uses of Brass?

Answer 16

Corrosion resistant, good electrical and thermal conductor, and has a low melting point. Melting temperature is 930°C. 65% Copper, 35% Zinc.
Used in door furniture, boat fittings and cast taps