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9.2Metals

Uses of metals — Combined Science 0653 - Chemistry Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 8 parts Lesson 4 of 11 1 quiz

📚 Combined Science 0653 - Chemistry Hub / Topical Revision
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Lesson summary

9.2 Uses of metals — COMBINED SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY) notes: Relate the uses of aluminium and copper to their properties.Properties — low density, resistant to corrosion and a good conductor.Corrosion resistance — aluminium is reactive but a thin protective layer of aluminium oxide o…

  • Strength-to-weight ratio
  • Properties — unreactive, very good electrical and heat conductor, malleable and ductile
  • Match — the property that the job needs decides the metal
  • Saying aluminium is unreactive — it is reactive but protected by its oxide layer
  • Saying copper is used in aircraft because it is light — it is dense
  • Forgetting that ductile means drawn into wires

Part 1 of 6Aluminium

Properties
  • Properties low density, resistant to corrosion and a good conductor.
Corrosion resistance
  • Corrosion resistance aluminium is reactive but a thin protective layer of aluminium oxide on its surface prevents further corrosion.

Part 2 of 6Uses of aluminium

UseProperty used
Aeroplane bodiesHigh strength-to-weight ratio and low density
Overhead power cablesGood electrical conductor and low density
Food cansNon-toxic and resistant to corrosion and acidic foods

Part 3 of 6Copper

  • Properties
    • unreactive, very good electrical and heat conductor, malleable and ductile.

Part 4 of 6Uses of copper

UseProperty used
Electrical wiringVery good conductor of electricity and ductile
Pots and pansVery good conductor of heat, unreactive and malleable
Water pipesNon-toxic, unreactive and malleable

Part 5 of 6Choosing a metal for a use

  • Match
    • the property that the job needs decides the metal.

Part 6 of 6More from the specification

Malleability of atomic metallic layers
  • Malleability of atomic metallic layers sliding slip planes of metallic atoms allow cold working,
    • while passivating oxide layers resist attack by acids.
Periodic
  • Describing properties that repeat at regular intervals along the table
Alloy strength
  • Introducing non-metals or different metallic elements distorts the crystal lattice structure,
    • making alloys significantly harder and stronger than pure metals.
Uses of aluminium
  • Widely used in aircraft bodies and food packaging due to lightweight strength and resistance to atmospheric oxygen corrosion.
Uses of copper
  • Employed in electrical wiring due to excellent conductivity and ductile drawing into thin strands.
Alloy examples (Brass and Steel)
  • Brass provides wear resistance; stainless steel resists chemical corrosion.
    • (copper and zinc)
Delocalised electrons
  • Outer electrons that move freely between the metal ions.
Metal hydroxide
  • Compound formed when a reactive metal reacts with water.
Alloy
  • A mixture of a metal with one or more other elements.
Oxygen
  • A gas that relights a glowing splint.
Hydrogen
  • A gas that gives a squeaky pop with a lighted splint.
Element
  • A substance made of only one type of atom.
Non-metal
  • An element that is usually a poor conductor and brittle when solid.

Key terms

TermMeaning
Corrosion resistanceAbility to resist attack by air and water.
ConductorMaterial that carries heat or electricity well.
Strength-to-weight ratioStrength compared with mass.
DuctileAble to be drawn into wires.
MalleableAble to be hammered into shape.

Avoid these mistakes

1
Saying aluminium is unreactive — it is reactive but protected by its oxide layer.
2
Saying copper is used in aircraft because it is light — it is dense.
3
Forgetting that ductile means drawn into wires.
4
Confusing malleable with ductile.

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