uses of metals and their alloys

the uses of a metal or alloy depend upon its properties. what do these properties include?

• chemical properties, such as resistance to corrosion

• physical properties, such as density and ability to conduct electricity

properties of gold

• resist corrosion

• malleable

• ductile

• very good conductor of electricity

• very expensive

properties of copper

• resist corrosion

• malleable

• ductile

• very good conductor of electricity

use of copper

electrical wiring

use of gold

gold is used in tiny amounts (because it is expensive) to connect microprocessors and memory chips

properties of aluminium

• resists corrosion

• does not conduct electricity as well as copper

• strong

• cheap

• not very dense

use of aluminium

overhead electrical cables

(because it is stronger cheaper, and less dense than copper)

brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.

what are the properties of brass?

• resists corrosion

• not as good of an electrical conductor as copper

• brass is stronger than copper

use of brass

brass is stronger than copper so it is more suitable for making electrical plug pins

magnalium is an alloy of magnesium and aluminium.

what are the properties of magnalium?

• less dense than aluminium

• almost 4 times stronger than aluminium

• better resistance to corrosion that magnesium

use of magnalium

it is an engineering alloy used for aircraft parts and scientific instruments (strong but lightweight metal parts)