Classification, Forms and Uses of Metal

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Welcome to class! 

In today’s class, we will be talking more about metals. Enjoy the class!

Classification, Forms and Uses of Metal

Classification of metals

Metals are classified into two namely:

• Ferrous metals and
• Non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous metals:

These are metals containing iron and have magnetic properties. They are also called black metals.

Alloy based on iron, manganese and chromium is usually referred to as ferrous metals. Iron-based alloy is called steel.

Non-ferrous metals:

They are metals that do not contain iron and are not magnetic. Examples are led, gold, copper-zinc aluminium etc.

Forms of metals

Metals appear in different forms and shapes, which includes sections like round, flat and square sections. Others are bars, tubes, plates, rods, pipe wires and sheets

Examples of Metals

1. Iron
2. Sodium
3. Calcium
4. Aluminium
5. Uranium

Examples of Non-metals

1. Nitrogen
2. Oxygen
3. Helium
4. Chlorine
5. sulphur

Uses of metal

A metal’s use is directly linked to its qualities. For example:

• Shiny metals such as copper, silver, and gold are often used for decorative arts, jewellery, and coins.
• Strong metals such as iron and metal alloys such as stainless steel are used to build structures, ships, and vehicles including cars, trains, and trucks.
• Some metals have specific qualities that dictate their use. For example, copper is a good choice for wiring because it is particularly good at conducting electricity. Tungsten is used for the filaments of light bulbs because it glows white-hot without melting.

Non-metals are plentiful and useful. These are among the most commonly used:

• Oxygen, a gas, is essential to human life. Not only do we breathe it and use it for medical purposes, but we also use it as an important element in combustion.
• Sulphur is valued for its medical properties and as an important ingredient in many chemical solutions. Sulfuric acid is an important tool for industry, used in batteries and manufacturing.
• Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant. It is used to purify water for drinking and fill swimming pools.

Castings

Metals are melted and poured into moulds to take the shape of mould when it cools and solidifies. This process is called casting. Examples are cast iron and steel.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about the Identification, Types, Uses and Properties of Ceramics and Glasses.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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