Resource Key

When accessing content use the numbers below to guide you:

LEVEL 1

brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)

LEVEL 2

provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.

LEVEL 3

lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)

Definitions

Ferrous
adjective - of or containing iron, especially in the bivalent state
Nonferrous
adjective - (of a metal) containing little or no iron
Bivalent
adjective - having two valences, as aluminum with valences of two and three
Smelt
verb - to fuse or melt (ore) in order to separate the metal contained
Quench
verb - to cool suddenly by plunging into a liquid, as in tempering steel by immersion in water
Temper
noun - the degree of hardness and strength imparted to a metal, as by quenching, heat treatment, or cold working
Malleable
adjective - capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers
Alloy
noun - a substance composed of two or more metals, or of a metal or metals with a nonmetal, intimately mixed, as by fusion or electrodeposition

Linked Databases

Britannica Schools
Britannica School covers the core subject areas of English, Maths, Science and History. Interactive lessons, activities, games, stories, worksheets, manipulatives, study guides and research tools.
World Book Encyclopedia
Online version of the complete reference work along with dictionary, atlas, links, magazines, historical documents, audio, video, images, and 3D photograph

Introduction

Metals are any of a class of substances characterized by high electrical and thermal conductivity as well as by malleability, ductility, and high reflectivity of light. Approximately three-quarters of all known chemical elements are metals. The most abundant varieties in the Earth’s crust are aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The vast majority of metals are found in ores (mineral-bearing substances), but a few such as copper, gold, platinum, and silver frequently occur in the free state because they do not readily react with other elements. (Britannica, 2015) Metals are used in their pure form as well as in alloys and we see their applications every day in tools, machines, ornaments and structures.

Types of Metals

Castle Metals. (2012, July 31). Ferrous & non-ferrous metals and their uses. Retrieved from http://www.castlemetalseurope.com/blog/ferrous-nonferrous-metals-uses/
Put in the simplest terms, ferrous metals are those which contain iron, whilst non ferrous metals don’t have any iron content. There are, however, other differences between the two types of metal which have a strong bearing upon the tasks which they are usually called upon to perform.
Metal properties and uses ferrous and non ferrous
Brief descriptions of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their properties.
Metal properties table ferrous and non-ferrous
Table listing both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their properties.
Module 2 Materials Ferrous metals
Booklet containing information on the mechanical properties of ferrous metals, as well as information about carbon steels and the supply of steel.
Module 4 Materials Non-ferrous metals and alloys
Booklet containing information on the mechanical properties of non-ferrous metals and alloys, and plain bearing alloys.
Nonferrous metals and alloys
Covers aluminum, copper, lead, tin, zinc, gold, silver, and it also addresses coated metals.

Metals

Capudean, B. (2003, August 28). Metallurgy matters: Carbon content, steel classifications, and alloy steels. Retrieved from http://www.thefabricator.com/article/metalsmaterials/carbon-content-steel-classifications-and-alloy-steels
Steel classification is important in understanding what types are used in certain applications and which are used for others. For example, most commercial steels are classified into one of three groups: plain carbon, low-alloy, and high-alloy.
Castle Metals. (2012, June 27). The different types of stainless steel. Retrieved from http://www.castlemetalseurope.com/blog/different-types-of-stainless-steel/
One of the key advantages of stainless steel lies in the materials sheer versatility. The fact that the precise composition of stainless steel can be altered to create a metal which is perfectly suited to a particular task means that it’s basic properties – strength, malleability and resistance to staining and corrosion – can be brought to bear in a wide range of situations.
Constellium. (2015, February 15). About aluminium. Retrieved from http://www.constellium.com/aluminium-company/aluminium-properties-and-uses
Aluminium is lightweight, strong, recyclable, corrosion-resistant, and an essential part of daily life.
Steel. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/110660
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon in which the carbon content ranges up to 2 percent (with a higher carbon content, the material is defined as cast iron). By far the most widely used material for building the world’s infrastructure and industries, it is used to fabricate everything from sewing needles to oil tankers.
Stainless steel. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/69371
Stainless steel is any one of a family of alloy steels usually containing 10 to 30 percent chromium. In conjunction with low carbon contents, chromium imparts remarkable resistance to corrosion and heat.
Aluminum (Al). (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/5954
Aluminum (Al), also spelled aluminium, is a chemical element, a lightweight, silvery-white metal of main Group 13 (IIIa, or boron group) of the periodic table. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in Earth’s crust and the most widely used nonferrous metal.
Brass. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/16247
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, of historical and enduring importance because of its hardness and workability.
Copper (Cu). (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/26194
Copper (Cu) is a chemical element, a reddish, extremely ductile metal of Group 11 (Ib) of the periodic table that is an unusually good conductor of electricity and heat.
Silver (Ag). (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/67807
Silver (Ag) is a chemical element, a white, lustrous metal valued for its decorative beauty and electrical conductivity.
Lead (Pb). (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/47492
Lead (Pb) is a soft, silvery white or grayish metal in Group 14 (IVa) of the periodic table. Lead is very malleable, ductile, and dense and is a poor conductor of electricity.

Properties

BBC. (2014). Metal structure and properties. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr_gateway/periodic_table/metalsrev1.shtml
The physical properties of different metals make them useful for different purposes.

Husrev ay. (2014, August 25). Physical properties of metals [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHWcwAijMvk

Quizlet

Andrewmorris67. (2015). Metals. Retrieved from https://quizlet.com/79953615/metals-flash-cards/
Metals flash cards for study.