metals

Question 1

what are most metals extracted from?

Answer 1

an ore

Question 2

what is an ore?

Answer 2

a type of rock containing pure metals

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Ferrous metals contain iron and are mostly magnetic, non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron, and are generally non-magnetic. Ferrous metals will also rust if exposed to moisture, and can be hardened with carbon. However non-ferrous metals don’t rust but can oxidise. Non-ferrous metals also come in many colours.

Question 4

what are alloys?

Answer 4

a mixture of at least one pure metals with another element

Question 5

why are alloys used?

Answer 5

they improve the working properties or aesthetic of the metals

Question 6

list 3 non-ferrous metals

Answer 6

aluminium, copper, tin, zinc

Question 7

list 3 ferrous metals

Answer 7

low carbon steel, high carbon steel, cast iron

Question 8

list 3 alloys

Answer 8

brass, stainless steel, high speed steel

Question 9

aluminium

Answer 9

non-ferrous
A:light grey in colours, mirror or matte finish
C:lightweight but strong, ductile
U:drink cans, pots and pans, foil

Question 10

copper

Answer 10

non-ferrous
A:light reddish brown, polishes well
C:ductile, malleable, electric conductor

Question 11

tin

Answer 11

non-ferrous
A:dark silver, shiny if polished
C:soft, malleable, ductile
U:canned food, plating other surfaces

Question 12

zinc

Answer 12

non-ferrous
A:silvery grey with matte finish
C:slightly malleable, ductile
U:galvanise steel

Question 13

low carbon steel

Answer 13

non-ferrous
A:bright grey, oxidises if not protected
C:tough and ductile, easy to work with
U:girders, screws, nails, car bodies

Question 14

high carbon steel / tool steel

Answer 14

ferrous
A:bright grey, doesn’t rust easily
C:hard wearing, not as ductile due to carbon
U:garden/workshop tools, blades

Question 15

cast iron

Answer 15

ferrous
A:dull grey, doesn’t rust easily
C:hard but brittle, can be cast
U:pots and pans, vices, post boxes

Question 16

brass

Answer 16

alloy
A:yellow/gold, polishes well
C:malleable, easy to cast, low friction
U:musical instruments, ornament

Question 17

stainless steel

Answer 17

alloy
A:silver, can be polished for mirror finish
C:hard, smooth doesn’t rust, difficult to weld
U:cutlery, kitchen sinks, medical equipment

Question 18

high speed steel

Answer 18

alloy
A:variation of colours (grey/silver/gold)
C:able to withstand high temperatures
U:cutting tools such as drill bits