metals and alloys Flashcards
what is metal
Metal is a naturally occuring material which is mined from the ground in the form of ore.
how is metal produced
The raw metal is extracted from the ore through a combination of crushing, smelting or heating with the addition of chemicals and huge amounts of electrical energy. Most metals can be recycled. Metals are available in a variety of stock forms.
what is a ferous metal
Ferrous metals contain IRON (FE)
what are common properties and uses of ferouse metals
most are magnetic, this is useful when sorting metals for recycling.
The carbon content means most are prone to corrosion such as rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
The properties of ferrous metals, usch as hardness and malleability, are linked to the carbon content. The more carbon found in steel, the harder and less malleable it becomes.
what are non-ferous metals
Do not contain iron.
what are some common properties of non-ferrous metals
the absence of iron makes non-ferrous metals desirable for their malleable properties and for their resistance to corrosion.
Most are not magnetic, this means they can be used in electronic devices and wiring.
After steel, aluminium is the most commonly used metal. Aluminium is produced from alumina, which is extracted from an ore known as bauxite.
what are alloys
An alloy contains 2 or more elements together to produce a new material with refined properties. Alloys can be categorised as ferrous alloys or non-ferrous alloys.
what is the perpouse of alloys
It is often desirable to adjust metals according to their mechanical and physical properties in order to produce a more suitable material for a particular use.
