Uses of metals
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| aluminium/ˌæljʊˈmɪnɪəm/ | A lightweight metallic element with atomic number 13 and chemical symbol Al. |
| corrosion/kəˈrəʊʒn/ | The gradual destruction of a material through chemical or electrochemical reactions with its surroundings. |
Choosing the right metal
- From skyscrapers to saucepans, each metal is chosen because its properties fit the job.
- Matching property to use is real-world chemistry.
Metal use lab
Choose the property that explains each metal use.
Copper is used for electrical wiring because it is an excellent:
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Copper conducts electricity very well.
Match each metal to a typical use.
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Property fits the use.
Property matches use
- Copper: excellent conductor → electrical wiring.
- Aluminium 铝: low density and resists corrosion 腐蚀 → aircraft and drinks cans.
- Iron/steel: strong → buildings, bridges, cars.
The reactivity series helps you choose the right metal for a job
Aluminium is used in aircraft because it is:
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Light and corrosion-resistant — ideal for flight.
A metal's ______ properties (such as strength and conductivity) decide its uses.
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Physical properties match the metal to the job.
Why these choices
- A metal's physical properties decide what it is good for.
- Conductivity, density, strength and corrosion resistance all matter.
Iron is strong but a drawback is that it rusts.
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Rusting is a downside of using iron.
Trade-offs
- Sometimes a property is a downside: iron is strong but rusts; aluminium resists corrosion but is pricier to extract.
- Engineers balance properties, cost and availability.
Worked example. Aircraft are built from aluminium alloys because aluminium has a low density (light, saving fuel) and resists corrosion — exactly what flight demands.
You've got it
- metals are chosen because their properties fit the use
- copper → wiring (conductor); aluminium → aircraft/cans (light, corrosion-resistant); iron/steel → structures (strong)
- choices balance properties, cost and availability
Write from copper used for wiring
- A metal must carry electricity over long distances and be drawn into thin wires.
- Cost and other properties also matter, but these two are the reasons in this choice.
Why is copper chosen for electrical wiring?
Wiring needs a conductor that can be drawn into wire.
Why is copper used for wires?
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Both conduction and ductility are needed.