Why is aluminium used in aircraft?

It has a low density. A lighter aircraft needs less fuel.

Why is copper used for electrical wiring?

It is a good conductor and is ductile. It carries current well and can be drawn into wires.

Why is aluminium used for food containers?

It resists corrosion. Its oxide layer protects it.

What protects aluminium from corrosion?

a layer of aluminium oxide. The oxide forms naturally and sticks firmly to the surface.

Which two properties make aluminium suitable for overhead power cables?

low density and good electrical conductivity. Light cables need fewer pylons to hold them up.

Uses of metals · Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 revision

In plain words

We pick a metal for a job because of what it's good at. An aeroplane has to be light and strong, so it's built from aluminium. A wire has to carry electricity and bend into shape, so it's made of copper.

Three things to know

Aluminium: aircraft (low density), overhead power cables (low density and a good conductor), food containers (it resists corrosion).
Copper: electrical wiring, because it is a very good conductor and is ductile.
Aluminium is reactive, but a thin, tough layer of aluminium oxide on its surface seals it off from air and water.

Tips and tricks

Always pair the use with the property: "aluminium for aircraft because of its low density".
Aluminium resists corrosion because of its oxide layer, not because it is unreactive.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Uses of metals: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

Why is aluminium used in aircraft?
- It is cheap.
- It has a low density. (the answer)
- It is magnetic.
- It melts easily.
A lighter aircraft needs less fuel.
Why is copper used for electrical wiring?
- It is hard.
- It has a low density.
- It is a good conductor and is ductile. (the answer)
- It is magnetic.
It carries current well and can be drawn into wires.
Why is aluminium used for food containers?
- It is heavy.
- It resists corrosion. (the answer)
- It is poisonous to bacteria.
- It is brittle.
Its oxide layer protects it.
What protects aluminium from corrosion?
- a layer of paint
- a layer of aluminium oxide (the answer)
- a layer of zinc
- a layer of oil
The oxide forms naturally and sticks firmly to the surface.
Which two properties make aluminium suitable for overhead power cables?
- strong and shiny
- low density and good electrical conductivity (the answer)
- magnetic and hard
- high density and high melting point
Light cables need fewer pylons to hold them up.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 6 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Uses of metals

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 · 6 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

Give two reasons why aluminium is used to build aircraft.[2]
Show answerHide answer
It has a low density, and it resists corrosion. (Its alloys are also strong.)
I got this one
Give two reasons why copper is used for electrical wiring.[2]
Show answerHide answer
It is a very good conductor of electricity, and it is ductile (easily drawn into wires).
I got this one
Aluminium is a reactive metal. Explain why it does not corrode easily.[2]
Show answerHide answer
It is covered by a thin layer of aluminium oxide, which stops air and water reaching the metal underneath.
I got this one

Answers: Uses of metals

1. It has a low density, and it resists corrosion. (Its alloys are also strong.)
2. It is a very good conductor of electricity, and it is ductile (easily drawn into wires).
3. It is covered by a thin layer of aluminium oxide, which stops air and water reaching the metal underneath.