Uses of Metals: Aluminium, Copper & Iron
Linking physical properties to industrial applications — Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)
State two properties of aluminium that make it suitable for manufacturing aircraft.
Explain why aluminium is used for food containers and drink cans.
State one reason why aluminium is more expensive to produce than iron, despite being more abundant in the Earth's crust.
Aluminium is used to make greenhouse frames and window frames. Suggest two reasons why it is suitable for this use.
Aluminium is a metal with a giant metallic structure. Explain how this structure gives aluminium its high electrical conductivity and its ability to be drawn into wires (ductility).
Give two reasons why copper is used for electrical wiring in homes.
Overhead power cables are made from aluminium rather than copper, even though copper is a better electrical conductor. Explain why aluminium is preferred.
A student says: 'Copper is always a better choice than aluminium for electrical applications.' Evaluate this statement using evidence.
State the property of copper that makes it suitable for water pipes in household plumbing.
Copper alloys (such as brass) are often used instead of pure copper for mechanical parts. Suggest why an alloy is harder than pure copper.
A chef needs a new cooking pan. Three metals are available: Sodium, Iron, or Copper. Which metal is most suitable? Justify your answer.
A construction engineer is choosing a metal for scaffolding poles. She must choose between aluminium and steel (iron alloy). Suggest which metal she should choose, and give three reasons.
Suggest why gold (Au) is used in electronic circuit boards despite being very expensive.
A company manufactures bicycle frames. They are deciding between aluminium alloy and steel. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material for this application.
The table shows properties of three metals: Titanium (Ti), Lead (Pb), and Magnesium (Mg). A surgeon needs a metal for a bone implant inside the human body. Using the data and your knowledge, recommend the most suitable metal and explain why the other two are not suitable.
🔬 Quick Reference: Metal Properties
| Metal | Density | Conductivity | Corrosion | Key Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Low (2.7 g/cm³) | Good | Excellent (oxide layer) | Aircraft, cables, cans, foil |
| Copper | High (8.9 g/cm³) | Excellent | Good | Home wiring, pipes, circuits |
| Iron/Steel | High (7.9 g/cm³) | Moderate | Poor (rusts) | Construction, bridges (with coating) |
| Titanium | Moderate (4.5) | Moderate | Excellent | Implants, aerospace |
🚨 Most Common Exam Errors
- • Aluminium does not rust — it corrodes (rusting = iron only)
- • For overhead cables: say "lower density → lighter" not just "cheaper"
- • For conductivity: say "delocalized electrons" not just "free electrons"
- • Aluminium alloys have high strength-to-weight ratio, not absolute strength
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