Uses of Metals

Uses of Metals in Construction and Infrastructure

  • As a building material, steel is used extensively due to its strength and durability. It’s a key component of infrastructure like bridges, railways, and tall buildings.
    • Stainless steel, because of its resistance to corrosion, is commonly used in the construction of modern buildings, fixtures, and appliances.
    • Aluminium is a light, strong metal used in construction for its resistance to weathering and its recyclability. It’s often used in window frames, roofing, and in some construction vehicles.
  • Copper is widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity of electricity.
  • Lead is used in roofs and windows due to its malleability, and historically in pipes, but its toxicity has led to it being replaced in many applications.

Uses of Metals in Transport

  • Steel forms the skeletal structure of most vehicles due to its strength and rigidity.
  • Aluminium is used in aircraft construction due to being lightweight yet strong. Its resistance to corrosion also makes it valuable in marine applications.
  • Platinum and palladium are used in catalytic converters to reduce the harmful emissions from vehicles.

Uses of Metals in Technology and Electronics

  • Silicon is used in semiconductors and microchips due to its unique properties among metals.
  • Gold, due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to tarnish, is used in many high-quality connectors and printed circuit boards.
  • Copper and silver, which have excellent conductivity, are also used extensively in electrical components and wiring.
  • The transition metals tantalum and niobium are used in mobile phones and other small electronic devices for their ability to hold a high electrical charge relative to their size.
  • Lithium is a key component in rechargeable batteries due to its ability to transfer a large amount of charge quickly.

Uses of Metals in Medicine

  • Titanium and stainless steel are used in surgical implants due to their strength and biocompatibility.
  • Gold and silver have antimicrobial properties and are used in some medical applications.
  • Platinum compounds are used in chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment.
  • Iron compounds are used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia.

Uses of Metals in Cooking and Kitchenware

  • Aluminium and copper have high thermal conductivity, making them good choices for pots, pans, and kettles.
  • Stainless steel is frequently used in utensils, cutlery, and cooking appliances due to its durability and ease of cleaning.
  • Tin is used in cans due to its resistance to corrosion.
  • Silver is used in high-quality cutlery due to its beauty and antibacterial properties.

Uses of Metals in Everyday Items

  • Nickel and zinc are commonly used in batteries.
  • Gold and silver are popular metals for jewellery due to their lustrous appearance and resistance to tarnish.
  • Aluminium is widely used for packaging because of its lightweight, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion.

Remember, while metals have many important uses, their extraction and usage have impacts on the environment and it’s important to utilize them responsibly.