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9.2Metals

Uses of metals — Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 8 parts Lesson 2 of 6 1 quiz

📚 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Hub / Topical Revision
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Lesson summary

9.2 Uses of metals — Notes — IGCSE Chemistry notes: Link the uses of aluminium and copper to their properties.Aluminium is a reactive metal, widely used because it has a low density and resists corrosion.It forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface, which prevents furt…

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Strength-to-weight ratio
  • Electrical conductor
  • Thermal conductor
  • It forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface, which prevents further corrosion
  • Copper is an unreactive metal

Part 1 of 6Aluminium

Aluminium
Aluminium is a reactive metal, widely used because it has a low density and resists corrosion.
It forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface, which prevents further corrosion.

Part 2 of 6Uses of aluminium

UseProperty
Aircraft bodiesLow density and a high strength-to-weight ratio, strong as an alloy
Overhead electrical cablesLow density and good electrical conductivity
Food cans and containersNon-toxic and resistant to corrosion and acidic foods
Cooking pansGood thermal conductor and resists corrosion

Part 3 of 6Copper

Copper
Copper is an unreactive metal.
It is widely used because it is a very good electrical conductor and is ductile, so it can be drawn into thin wires.

Part 4 of 6Uses of copper

UseProperty
Electrical wiringVery good conductor of electricity and ductile
Pots and pansVery good conductor of heat, unreactive and malleable
Water pipesNon-toxic, unreactive (does not react with water) and malleable so it bends easily

Part 5 of 6Where metals are in the Periodic Table

1
Metals are on the left and in the centre, and they form about 80% of the elements.
2
Non-metals are at the top right.
3
Metalloids lie along the staircase line between metals and non-metals.
4
Metal oxides are basic and non-metal oxides are acidic.

Part 6 of 6More from the specification

Metallic lattice layers and acid resistance
  • Metallic lattice layers and acid resistance densely packed crystalline layers of metallic atoms resist degradation when exposed to non-oxidising mineral acids.
Periodic
  • Describing properties that repeat at regular intervals along the table
Aluminium and Low-Density Applications
  • Aluminium is widely utilized in aircraft manufacture due to its exceptionally low density combined with remarkable structural strength and corrosion resistance provided by its impervious oxide surface layer.
Electrical Conductivity and Copper Wiring
  • Copper is favoured for domestic electrical wiring and circuit components because of its high electrical conductivity, excellent ductility,
    • and chemical unreactivity with water.
Thermal Properties and Cookware Alloys
  • Stainless steel and aluminium alloys are selected for culinary cookware due to their uniform thermal conductivity, mechanical resilience,
    • and resistance to corrosion by acidic foodstuffs.
Metal hydroxide
  • Compound formed when a reactive metal reacts with water.
Oxygen
  • A gas that relights a glowing splint.
Hydrogen
  • A gas that gives a squeaky pop with a lighted splint.
Delocalised electrons
  • Outer electrons that move freely between the metal ions.

Key terms

TermMeaning
Corrosion resistancethe ability of a metal not to be broken down by air or water.
Strength-to-weight ratiothe strength of a material compared with its mass.
Electrical conductora material that allows electric current to flow.
Thermal conductora material that allows heat to flow.
Ductileable to be drawn into wires.

Avoid these mistakes

1
Saying aluminium is used because it is unreactive: it is reactive but protected by its oxide layer.
2
Saying aluminium is used for planes only because it is light: it has a low density and is strong as an alloy.
3
Saying copper is used in wires because it is cheap or conducts heat: it is a very good electrical conductor and ductile.
4
Giving a use without linking it to a property.
5
Saying hydrogen is a metalit is a non-metal.

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