Uses of Metals

Introduction

Metal does not actually have a solid definition since it is a broad term. However, they are usually described as substances with high electrical and thermal conductivity as well as malleability and lustre. Metals usually loses its electron to form positive ions known as cations.

Metals form the largest group in the periodic table, and they are also defined according to their position in the periodic table. They are grouped as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, heavy metals and rare earth metals. On the basis of hardness, metals are also distinguished as used metals and non-metals. Usually, metals are extracted from their ores in the process called refining.

Table of Contents

Different uses of Metals

Metals are usually very strong, most durable and highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. As such, they have been used since ancient times for a lot of things. And even today with advances in technology and a lot of other things the uses of metals have broadened greatly. Metals even play a key role in the economy. Let’s look at some important and popular metal uses.

• In the Construction Industry
• In electronics
• In medicine
• Machinery, Refractory and Automobiles
• Decorative products
• Other Uses

In the Construction Industry

Metals are the main component in the construction industry. Metals like iron, steel amongst others are the main materials used in the construction of buildings and even homes.

In Electronics

Another important application of metals are in electronics. As metals are good conductors of electricity, they are used to make wires and parts for equipments and gadgets that function on electrical current. Popular examples include TV, mobiles, fridge, iron, computers etc.

In medicine

If you are wondering how, well from a biological perspective metals are found as micro-elements in our bodies. Besides, the presence of metal elements is crucial for several functions like transmission of nerve impulses, oxygen flow, reaction between enzymes etc. Some medicines are therefore liaised with metal compounds to treat certain deficiencies or sickness. Metals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, titanium and aluminium are used commonly in medicine in the form of antacids.

Apart from this, most of the equipments and tools used are made from metals.

Machinery, Refractory and Automobiles

This is one of the most common use of metals. They are used extensively in manufacturing machines for industries, agriculture or farming and automobiles which include road vehicles, railways, aeroplanes, rockets etc. Here, the commonly used metals are iron, aluminium and steel.

Besides these, most of the utensils that are used in the kitchen are made from metals like steel, aluminium, and copper. Due to a high temperature withstanding nature metals are preferred the most.

Decorative products

Metals such as platinum, gold, and silver come under the category of precious metals and have high economical value. These metals are widely used in making jewellery sets or for some decorative pieces.

Other Uses of Metals

Some other uses and applications of metals are, that they play an important role in security as the metals are used in making locks, strong safe, doors etc. Apart from this, furnitures are made from metal these days. Metals also find their uses in the military, where they are used for manufacturing weapons and ammunitions. Some metals are used in galvanising to protect from rusting.

These are some popular uses of metal. To know more about metals, different types, properties of metals and more you can keep visiting BYJU’S or you can also download our app for interesting content and learning experience.

Most elements are metals, but quite a few are nonmetals. It's important to be able to distinguish between the different types of elements. Here are lists of five metals and five nonmetals, an explanation of how you can tell them apart, and some examples of their uses.

Five Metals

Metals are usually hard, dense conductors, often exhibiting a shiny luster. Metallic elements readily lose electrons to form positive ions. Except for mercury, metals are solids at room temperature and pressure. Examples include:

• Iron
• Uranium
• Sodium
• Aluminum
• Calcium

Five Nonmetals

The nonmetals are on the upper right-hand side of the periodic table. Nonmetals are typically poor electrical and thermal conductors and don't have a metallic luster. They can be found as solids, liquids, or gases under ordinary conditions. Examples include:

• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Helium
• Sulfur
• Chlorine

How to Tell Metals and Nonmetals Apart

The easiest way to identify whether an element is a metal or nonmetal is to find its position on the periodic table. A zigzag line runs down the right side of the table. Elements on this line are metalloids or semimetals, which have properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. Every element to the right of this line is a nonmetal and all other elements (most elements) are metals.

The only exception is hydrogen, which is considered a nonmetal in its gaseous state at room temperature and pressure. The two rows of elements below the body of the periodic table are also metals. Basically, about 75% of elements are metals, so if you're given an unknown element and asked to make a guess, go with a metal.

Element names can be a clue too. Many metals have names ending with -ium (e.g. beryllium, titanium). Nonmetals can have names ending with -gen, -ine, or -on (hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, argon).

Uses for Metals and Nonmetals

A metal's use is directly linked to its qualities. For example:

• Shiny metals such as copper, silver, and gold are often used for decorative arts, jewelry, and coins.
• Strong metals such as iron and metal alloys such as stainless steel are used to build structures, ships, and vehicles including cars, trains, and trucks.
• Some metals have specific qualities that dictate their use. For example, copper is a good choice for wiring because it is particularly good at conducting electricity. Tungsten is used for the filaments of light bulbs because it glows white-hot without melting.

Nonmetals are plentiful and useful. These are among the most commonly used:

• Oxygen, a gas, is absolutely essential to human life. Not only do we breathe it and use it for medical purposes, but we also use it as an important element in combustion.
• Sulfur is valued for its medical properties and as an important ingredient in many chemical solutions. Sulfuric acid is an important tool for industry, used in batteries and manufacturing.
• Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant. It is used to purify water for drinking and fill swimming pools.