DIFFERENT TYPES OF METALS -generally used in schools

There are many kinds of metals found and use around the world. They are all taken from rocks below ground. known as ore, and can be melted-down to be used again.

Metals fall into 2 groups; those which contain IRON and those that DO NOT. The word Ferrous means iron, so obviously ferrous metals, such as Mild Steel, contain iron.

The bottle-opener you will make in Year 7 will be produced from a piece of mild steel. it is a strong and hard metal and that is why it Is used to make car-bodies, washing machines and bridges. etc.
The big disadvantage and problem with steel, and all ferrous metals, is they rust (corrode). Unless they are painted or protected these metals will rot away.

Metals without iron, known as NON­FERROUS, do not rust.
Non-ferrous metals are more expensive. some such as gold and silver, are very costly. Copper pipes are used to carry water around central heating systems, as no amount of contact with water will cause them to corrode. Copper is also a good conductor of heat and electricity whereas mild steel is not. This is why copper wire is used to provide electrical current around buildings.

All metals can be made softer by heating them to a bright-red colour and allowing them to cool-down naturally. This is called annealing.
Metals can also be joined together. by applying heat, in processes called soldering, brazing and welding.

Other non-ferrous metals you may have heard of are; brass, lead, bronze, tin and aluminium.

Metals are chosen depending on the different advantages they offer; such as strength. hardness and non-corrosive.