Ima

Everyday Metals & Their Properties

1. Iron (Fe)

Where we use it: gates, bridges, tools, cooking pansProperties:

• Strong and hard

• Magnetic (gets attracted to magnets)

• Can rust when exposed to air and water

2. Aluminium (Al)

Where we use it: foil, cans, window frames, utensilsProperties:

• Lightweight

• Does not rust easily

• Good conductor of heat and electricity

3. Copper (Cu)

Where we use it: electric wires, coins, motorsProperties:

• Excellent conductor of electricity

• Flexible (can be drawn into wires – this is called ductility)

• Reddish-brown color

4. Gold (Au)

Where we use it: jewelleryProperties:

• Very shiny (lustrous)

• Does not corrode or rust

• Very malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets)

5. Silver (Ag)

Where we use it: jewellery, utensils, mirrorsProperties:

• Best conductor of electricity

• Shiny and smooth

• Malleable and ductile

6. Zinc (Zn)

Where we use it: coating iron (to prevent rust), batteriesProperties:

• Prevents rusting (used in galvanization)

• Moderately reactive

Common Properties of Most Metals

• Lustrous → shiny surface

• Malleable → can be hammered into sheets

• Ductile → can be made into wires

• Good conductors → allow heat and electricity to pass

• Strong and hard → used for building