Metals and alloys Flashcards
Why is aluminum used in the manufacture of aircraft?
Because it is strong and has a low density
Why is aluminium used to make food containers?
It is resistant to corrosion
Why is aluminium resistant to corrosion and seemingly unreactive?
It has a protective layer of aluminium oxide on its surface. This prevents the metal beneath from reacting
Why is copper used in electrical wiring?
It is a good conductor of electricity
Why is copper used to make cooking utensils?
It is a good conductor of heat
Uses of mild steel
In car bodies and machinery
Uses of stainless steel
In chemical plants and in cutlery
Uses of zinc
Galvanising and making brass
Alloy
A mixture of two or more elements where at least one of them is a metal
Why are alloys harder than pure metals?
Alloys contain atoms of different sizes, so the regular arrangement of the metal is disrupted. This makes it difficult for layers to slide over each other when a force is applied
Elements in mild steel
Iron and carbon
Elements in brass
Copper and zinc
Elements in stainless steel
Iron, chromium , nickel
Difference between mild steel and pure iron
Mild steel is stronger and harder. It is easily worked and not brittle
What is Brass used for?
Making musical instruments
