metals Flashcards
what are most metals extracted from?
an ore
what is an ore?
a type of rock containing pure metals
what is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?
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.
what are alloys?
a mixture of at least one pure metals with another element
why are alloys used?
they improve the working properties or aesthetic of the metals
list 3 non-ferrous metals
aluminium, copper, tin, zinc
list 3 ferrous metals
low carbon steel, high carbon steel, cast iron
list 3 alloys
brass, stainless steel, high speed steel
aluminium
non-ferrous
A:light grey in colours, mirror or matte finish
C:lightweight but strong, ductile
U:drink cans, pots and pans, foil
copper
non-ferrous
A:light reddish brown, polishes well
C:ductile, malleable, electric conductor
tin
non-ferrous
A:dark silver, shiny if polished
C:soft, malleable, ductile
U:canned food, plating other surfaces
zinc
non-ferrous
A:silvery grey with matte finish
C:slightly malleable, ductile
U:galvanise steel
low carbon steel
non-ferrous
A:bright grey, oxidises if not protected
C:tough and ductile, easy to work with
U:girders, screws, nails, car bodies
high carbon steel
ferrous
A:bright grey, doesn’t rust easily
C:hard wearing, not as ductile due to carbon
U:garden/workshop tools, blades
cast iron
ferrous
A:dull grey, doesn’t rust easily
C:hard but brittle, can be cast
U:pots and pans, vices, post boxes
