Resource Key
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LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
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provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
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lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Definitions
- Ferrousadjective - of or containing iron, especially in the bivalent state
- Nonferrousadjective - (of a metal) containing little or no iron
- Bivalentadjective - having two valences, as aluminum with valences of two and three
- Smeltverb - to fuse or melt (ore) in order to separate the metal contained
- Quenchverb - to cool suddenly by plunging into a liquid, as in tempering steel by immersion in water
- Tempernoun - the degree of hardness and strength imparted to a metal, as by quenching, heat treatment, or cold working
- Malleableadjective - capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers
- Alloynoun - 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 This link opens in a new window
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.
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This resource provides the largest collection of full text from leading regional and international newspapers and periodicals, full-text reference books, tens of thousands of full-text biographies, and a collection of images containing more than one million photos, maps, and flags.
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 ferrousBrief descriptions of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their properties.
- Metal properties table ferrous and non-ferrousTable listing both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their properties.
- Module 2 Materials Ferrous metalsBooklet 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 alloysBooklet containing information on the mechanical properties of non-ferrous metals and alloys, and plain bearing alloys.
- Nonferrous metals and alloysCovers 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-steelsSteel 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-usesAluminium 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/110660Steel 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/69371Stainless 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/5954Aluminum (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/16247Brass 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/26194Copper (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/67807Silver (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/47492Lead (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.shtmlThe 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.