Metals

Metals

Metals can be defined as hard and shiny substances used for making jewelry, cutlery, cooking pots, roofs, etc. Metals are natural materials found in rocks. Rocks that contain metals are called ores. An ore is made up of metal and some non-metal compound called gangue. We can find different metals in different types of ores.

Identification of metals

Metals can be identified by their physical properties. For example, metals do not break when they are pressed, hammered, or rolled into sheets, whereas other materials like wood, ceramics, and plastics will break.

Another way to identify metals from other materials is that most plastics and rubbers are lighter than metals. However, it is important to note that some ceramics are heavier than light metals such as magnesium. When you polish metals, their surfaces shine very well, while other materials are not as shiny as metals when polished. Metals can also be identified from other materials because metals are good conductors of electricity and heat; whereas wood, ceramics, plastic, and rubber are poor conductors.

Types of metals

• Ferrous metal
• Non-ferrous metal

Ferrous metal:

They contain iron and are said to be magnetic because they are attracted by a magnet. Ferrous metal will rust when exposed to the air and water, whereas, non-ferrous metals will not rust. You should know that wrought iron is the purest form of iron in commercial use. It contains only about 0.04% carbon. Examples of ferrous metals are iron, cast iron, steel, mild steel, etc.

Non-ferrous metal:

They do not contain iron and are not attracted by magnets. They do not rust. It also means metal which have some metal or metals other than iron, as their main component. Examples of non-ferrous metal are aluminum copper, lead, tin, zinc, brass, gold, silver, bronze, magnesium and ricket.

Properties of metals

• Ductility
• Lustre
• High relative density
• Toughness
• Hardness
• Brittleness
• Conductivity of heat
• Conductivity of electricity

Metal forms

Metallic come in difficult shapes and sizes. They can be in form of rods, bars, pipes, plates, sheets, wires, etc...

Uses of metals

• Metals are used in making car bodies, cabinets and metal objects
• Metals are used in making hammer heads, scribers, chisels etc.
• Metals are used in making cooking utensils
• Metals are used in making furniture
• Metals are used in making jewelries