UNIT 6 METALS

1.- The properties of metal

Materials can be divided in metal and non-metal. Metals, normally, are

greyish colour, like iron. There are exceptions such as copper ( reddish) and gold
(yellowish).

Common properties:

 Density: Metals are very dense.

 Physical state: All metals are solid at room temperature except mercury and
gallium.
 Lustre: Metals generally reflect light.
 Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
 Ductility: Most metals can be made into wire.
 Malleability: Most metals can be made into sheets.
 Tenacity: Metals resist external forces such as bumps and knocks.

2.- Types of metals

Metals can be divided into two groups: Ferrous metals and non-ferrous
metals.

3.- The process of obtaining iron

I. Extraction: The ore is mined, or extracted from open-pit or subterranean

mines.
II. Crushing and grinding: The ore is crushed and ground it measures less than
5 cm across.
III. Separation: Using magnet systems, the useful part ( ore) is separated from
the tallings, or gangue.
IV. Smelting: The ore is melted in a blast furnace to obtain iron.
V. Sintering: Sintered ore is fused with coal and lime to create larger particles.

4.- The environmental repercussions of exploiting metals.

The processes of extracting, smelting and using metals are damaging to the
environment.

I. Extraction phase: Mining has an important impact on the landscape and on

water resources.
II. Smelting phase: Large of quantities of waste and smoke are generated by
blast furnaces. Also a large amount of electrical power is needed.
III. The use phase: Metal components create waste.
5. Metals

Cast Iron: A ferrous metal that contains iron and carbon in a proportion of
1.76% to 6.67%.

Steel: A ferrous metal that contains a proportion of carbon that varies

between 0.03% and 1.76%.

Copper: Very ductile, reddish colour material. it´s also a very good
conductor of electricity and heat. Alloys of copper are: Bronze and Brass.

Bronze: Alloy of copper and tin ( proportion between 6% and 20%).

Brass: Alloy of copper and zinc. It has a golden colour and is resistant
to corrosion.

Aluminium: it is very abundant in the Earth and is obtained from a mineral called
bauxite. It is very resistant to corrosion. Cans, electrical cables, portable ladders,
doors, windows frames, etc are made from aluminium.

Zinc: it is a material with a bluish-white colour. When it comes in contact with air
it oxidizes, creating a layer of greyish oxide which protects it from corrosion.
Metal pieces are given a thin coating of zinc to protect them from corrosion. This
process is known as galvanization.

Tin: Tin is a shiny white metal that is very soft, does not oxidize at room
temperature and has very low melting point.

Lead: it has a greyish silver colour and is very dense. 2

Titanium: it is a bright grey colour and it is very hard and resitant to mechanical
stresses.