C 4.2 Properties and uses of metals Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are the general physical properties of metals?
Good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, ductile, shiny when polished, high melting and boiling points.
Why are metals good electrical conductors?
Because they have delocalised electrons that move freely through the structure.
What does malleable mean?
It means a metal can be bent or hammered into shape without breaking.
What does ductile mean?
It means a metal can be drawn out into thin wires.
Which metals are used for electrical wiring and why?
Copper — because it is a very good conductor, malleable, and doesn’t react with water.
Why is aluminium used in power cables and aircraft?
It is a good conductor, has a low density, and is resistant to corrosion.
Why is iron commonly used in construction?
It is strong, cheap, and can be made even stronger as steel.
Why is gold used in electronics and jewellery?
It is a very good conductor, resists corrosion, and is attractive and unreactive.
Why do different metals have different uses?
Because they have different physical and chemical properties, such as strength, conductivity, density, and reactivity.
