Metals (Ferrous, Non-ferrous, Alloys)

Question 1

What is a ferrous metal?

Answer 1

A metal that contains iron

Question 2

What is a non-ferrous metal?

Answer 2

A metal that doesn’t contain iron

Question 3

Properties of Cast Iron

Answer 3

Very strong if compressed, but brittle and not malleable

Question 4

Uses of cast iron

Answer 4

Bench vices, car brake discs and manhole covers

Question 5

Properties of Low-Carbon Steel (Mild steel)

Answer 5

Quite strong and cheap, but rusts easily and cannot be hardened

Question 6

Uses of Low-Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)

Answer 6

Car bodies, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, washing machines

Question 7

Properties of High-Carbon Steel (Tool Steel)

Answer 7

Harder than low-carbon, can be hardened, but not as easy to work with and rusts.

Question 8

Uses of High-Carbon Steel (Tool Steel)

Answer 8

Tools e.g. chisels, files, saws, drills

Question 9

How are ferrous metals protected from rusting?

Answer 9

Protective coatings (such as paint or enamel) are applied (except stainless steel as it is resistant to rust)

Question 10

Properties of Aluminium

Answer 10

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, expensive, not as strong as steel, hard to join

Question 11

Uses of aluminium

Answer 11

Aeroplanes, cars, ladders

Question 12

Properties of Brass

Answer 12

Quite-strong, corrosion resistant, malleable, ductile and aesthetically pleasing

Question 13

Uses of brass

Answer 13

Electrical parts, door handles, taps

Question 14

Properties of copper

Answer 14

relatively soft, malleable, ductile and a very good electrical conductor

Question 15

Uses of copper

Answer 15

Electrical wiring, pipes

Question 16

Properties of Tin

Answer 16

Soft, corrosion-resistant, mallable and ductile, low-melting point

Question 17

Uses of tin

Answer 17

Foil, tin-cans, alloying metal in solder

Question 18

Properties of Zinc

Answer 18

Not very strong, corrosion-resistant

Question 19

Uses of zinc

Answer 19

Coating steel (e.g.nails, buckets and watering cans)

Question 20

What is an alloy?

Answer 20

A material formed when one or more elements are combined with a metal.

Question 21

What is High-Speed steel?

Answer 21

A material made from iron, 0.6% carbon and other metals including chromium, tungsten, and vanadium.
Keeps its hardness when heated to high temperatures, so it is used in high-speed cutting tools that get hot when used.

Question 22

What is stainless steel?

Answer 22

Material made from cast iron and mild steel, and also chromium and nickel.
Stromg, tough, ductile and decreases rust.
Used in surgical equipment, sinks and cutlery.