Metals
Cambridge O Level Chemistry 5070 — 9.2 Uses of Metals — Cambridge O Level Chemistry 5070 Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 6 parts Lesson 2 of 6
Lesson summary
Uses of metals: Explain why aluminium and copper are selected for particular uses by linking each use to a relevant property. Aluminium combines low density with useful strength, so it suits aircraft bodies and overhead cables.
- Overhead power cables
- Food containers
- Electrical wiring
- Water pipes
- Electrical conductivity
- Corrosion resistance
Part 1 of 4Key ideas
Key ideas
Aluminium combines low density with useful strength, so it suits aircraft bodies and overhead cables.
Aluminium conducts electricity and resists corrosion, making it suitable for power cables and food containers.
Copper conducts electricity well and can be drawn into wires. It can also be shaped into pipes and does not readily react with water.
Part 2 of 4Uses of aluminium
Aircraft bodies
Aluminium has a low density, which helps keep the mass of an aircraft down. It also has a useful strength compared with its mass, so it can form a strong, light structure.
Overhead power cables
Aluminium conducts electricity. Because it has a low density, a long cable is lighter and puts less load on its supports.
Food containers
Aluminium is non-toxic and resists corrosion, including contact with many acidic foods. This helps protect the contents of a container.
Part 3 of 4Uses of copper
Electrical wiring
Copper is an excellent electrical conductor, allowing current to pass readily. It is ductile, so it can be drawn into long, thin wires.
Water pipes
Copper can be bent and shaped into pipework. It is relatively unreactive with water and is suitable for carrying drinking water.
Part 4 of 4Compare: Compare
| Metal | Use | Relevant property | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Aircraft body | Low density; useful strength for its mass | Keeps the structure strong without excessive mass. |
| Aluminium | Overhead cable | Conducts electricity; low density | Carries current while reducing the load on supports. |
| Aluminium | Food container | Non-toxic; corrosion-resistant | Protects food without readily reacting with it. |
| Copper | Electrical wire | Excellent electrical conductor; ductile | Carries current and can be drawn into wire. |
| Copper | Water pipe | Easy to shape; relatively unreactive with water | Can form pipework and carry water safely. |
Key terms
Command terms
State
Name the relevant property, such as low density or electrical conductivity.
Explain
Link the property to the use in a cause-and-effect sentence.
Exam technique
Make the link explicit
“Aluminium is used for overhead cables because it conducts electricity and its low density reduces the weight that the supports carry.”
Ductile
Use ductile for drawing copper into wire. Malleable means a metal can be hammered or rolled into sheets.
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