1.6 Materials and their working properties - metals and alloys

Where are metals found?

Naturally in the earth

How are metals extracted for use?

From natural ore using large heat furnaces

What are ferrous metals?

Metals that contain iron

What are the properties of ferrous metals?

Magnetic and prone to rust

What are the physical properties of low-carbon steel?

Grey and smooth alloy that rusts if not protected

What are the working properties of low-carbon steel?

Ductile and tough

What are the physical properties of cast iron?

Dull grey and rusts easily

What are the working properties of cast iron?

Brittle if thin

What are the physical properties of high-carbon steel?

Grey smooth alloy that does not rust easily

What are the working properties of high-carbon steel?

Hard-wearing

What are non-ferrous metals?

Metals that do not contain iron

What are the properties of non-ferrous metals?

Not magnetic and do not rust

What are the physical properties of aluminium?

Light grey with a matt finish

What are the working properties of aluminium?

Lightweight

What are the physical properties of copper?

Rose coloured and polishes well but oxidises to green verdigris

What are the working properties of copper?

Good electrical conductor

What are the physical properties of tin?

Silver coloured

What are the working properties of tin?

Soft and malleable

What are the physical properties of zinc?

Silvery blue with a matt finish

What are the working properties of zinc?

Brittle with average malleability and conductivity

What are alloys?

Mixtures of metals with other elements to improve properties or appearance

Can alloys be ferrous or non-ferrous?

Yes

What are the physical properties of brass?

Gold coloured non-ferrous metal that darkens with age

What are the working properties of brass?

Alloy of copper and zinc

What are the physical properties of stainless steel?

Silver when polished and resistant to rust

What are the working properties of stainless steel?

Alloy of chromium

What are the physical properties of high-speed steel?

Dark grey ferrous metal used for tool bits

What are the working properties of high-speed steel?

Alloyed for different properties