Uses of metals
Uses of metals
- A metal is chosen for a job because of its properties.
- Aluminium:
- aircraft — low density (light),
- overhead cables — low density + good conductivity,
- food containers — resists corrosion.
- Copper:
- electrical wiring — good conductivity and ductility (drawn into wires).
Practice
Aluminium is used to make aircraft mainly because of its:
Aluminium's low density makes aircraft lighter; it also resists corrosion.
Practice
Copper is used for electrical wiring because it is:
Copper conducts electricity well and is ductile (can be drawn into wires).
Practice
Match each use to the property behind it.
Each use is chosen for the metal's property.
You've got it
Key idea
- a metal's use comes from its property
- aluminium: light (aircraft, cables), corrosion-resistant (food cans)
- copper: conducts + ductile → electrical wiring