Chapter 16 - Metals & Alloys

What term describes the characteristics of a material, such as its appearance and features?

Physical property.

The way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment is known as its ________ property.

working

What is another term for a material's working properties?

Mechanical properties.

What does it mean for a material to be 'naturally occurring'?

It comes from nature and is not made or altered by humans.

What defines a 'manufactured' material?

It is produced by humans, often using machinery.

How are metals, which occur naturally, typically found?

They are found in ores which are mined from the earth.

What are the three main categories into which metals can be classified?

Ferrous, non-ferrous, and alloys.

What is the defining characteristic of a ferrous metal?

It consists mostly of iron, with small amounts of other elements.

What happens to most ferrous metals when they are exposed to moisture?

They are prone to rusting.

Which property, related to magnetism, do ferrous metals exhibit?

They can be picked up by a magnet.

What element is responsible for both the rusting and magnetic properties of ferrous metals?

Iron.

Name three typical examples of ferrous metals.

Mild steel, cast iron, and high carbon steel.

What is the carbon content percentage for low carbon steel, also known as mild steel?

Less than 0.3%.

A carbon content of 0.6% to 1.7% categorises a steel as what type?

High carbon steel.

What working property of low carbon steel describes its ability to be drawn out or stretched without breaking?

Ductile.

What working property of low carbon steel describes its ability to be shaped by hammering or pressure?

Malleable.

Identify a common use for low carbon steel in fasteners.

Nuts, bolts and screws.

What part of a vehicle is commonly made from low carbon (mild) steel?

Car bodies.

High carbon steel is described as being very strong and ______.

tough

Due to its strength and toughness, high carbon steel is also described as being very _____________.

hardwearing

What general category of products is often made from high carbon steel?

Hand tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, chisels).

Name a specific type of garden tool made from high carbon steel.

Saws or garden tools.

What is a negative working property of cast iron when it is in a thin section?

It can be brittle.

Cast iron has a strong ___________ strength, meaning it resists being crushed.

compression

Name a type of street furniture commonly made from cast iron.

Decorative bollards, bins, or lighting.

What common utility item found in streets is made from cast iron?

Manhole covers.

A vice is an example product made from which ferrous metal?

Cast iron.

What is the defining characteristic of a non-ferrous metal?

It does not contain any iron.

How do non-ferrous metals react to magnets?

They are not attracted to a magnet.

What property of aluminium makes it ideal for use in aircraft and bike frames?

It has a good strength-to-weight ratio.

What physical property describes the appearance of aluminium?

It is light grey and can be polished to a mirror-like effect.

What common kitchen item, often mistaken for tin, is actually made from aluminium?'Tin' foil or takeaway trays.

What colour is copper?

Reddish-brown.

What property of copper allows it to be easily pulled into wires for electrical cables?

It is ductile.

Copper is an excellent __________ of electricity.

conductor

Name a common use for copper in buildings.

Plumbing pipes or roofing.

What is the primary use of zinc?

To galvanise steel, which involves layering it over steel to prevent rusting.

What is a physical property of tin relating to its appearance?

It has a silvery, shiny look.

What working property of tin describes its softness and ability to be easily shaped?

It is soft and malleable.

What is the primary use of tin mentioned in the source material?

Tin can production, used to preserve contents inside.

What is an alloy?

A metal made from a combination of two or more metals, or a metal combined with other elements.

Why are alloys created?

To improve a metal's properties, such as making it stronger, harder, lighter, or more corrosion resistant.

Brass is a non-ferrous alloy composed of which two metals?

Copper and zinc.

What working property makes brass suitable for boat fittings and plumbing parts?

It is corrosion resistant.

What is the approximate melting point of brass?

930°C

Name a product category where brass is commonly used due to its appearance and ability to be cast well?

Musical instruments or door furniture.

Is stainless steel a ferrous or non-ferrous alloy?

It is a ferrous alloy.

What are two key working properties of stainless steel?

It is tough and hard.

What is the most notable property of stainless steel, making it ideal for sinks and cutlery?

It is corrosion resistant.

Stainless steel is an alloy containing chromium, nickel, and which other element?

Manganese.

What type of medical equipment is often made from stainless steel?

Surgical equipment.

What is the defining working property of high speed steel?

It has a high resistance to frictional heat.

Due to its resistance to heat from friction, what is a common use for high speed steel?

Tool blades and drill bits.

The term __________ _________ refers to the way a material behaves when it is manipulated.

working property

Metals are obtained from a rock containing enough minerals for extraction to be possible, which is known as an ____.

ore

The orange, flaky substance formed on iron or steel when exposed to moisture is called ____.

rust

What term describes a metal that does not contain iron?

Non-ferrous.

When copper oxidises, it can turn a green colour known as _________.

verdigris

What term refers to how something looks, often improved in alloys?

Aesthetic.

What property of cast iron makes it suitable for use in vices?

It has a hard skin and is magnetic.

What working property of stainless steel makes it challenging to work with?

It is difficult to cut.

What non-ferrous metal is noted for its excellent strength to weight ratio and use in aircraft?

Aluminium.

What is the physical appearance of zinc?

Silvery blue with a matt finish.

Solder is an alloy used for making electrical connections on printed circuit boards. What is one of its key working properties?

Electrical conductivity and a low melting point.

A combination of lead and tin is one example of which type of alloy?

Solder.

What is a common use for low carbon (mild) steel in cycling?

Bike frames.

What physical property of copper is mentioned as both a positive trait and a process of degradation?

It polishes well but can oxidise to a green colour (verdigris).

Which metal is described as being 'brittle with average malleability and conductivity'?

Zinc.

What property of cast iron allows it to be easily shaped into complex forms like decorative bollards?

It can be cast in a mould.

High carbon steel is less __________ than low-carbon steel, making it more brittle but better for holding a sharp edge.

ductile

Which metal has a 'rose coloured' appearance when polished?

Copper.

Which alloy is described as being durable, casting well, and polishing well?

Brass.

What is a use for brass in home hardware?

Letter boxes or padlocks.

What is the classification for a material produced through chemical processes?

Synthetic.

Which type of steel is suitable for making springs?

High carbon steel.

Pots and pans can be made from either cast iron or which non-ferrous metal?

Aluminium.

What is a working property of high-speed steel that makes it superior to high-carbon steel for drill bits?

It can withstand high temperatures caused by friction.