C1 3.5: Useful metals

Transition metals

Copper alloys

Aluminium alloys

Gold alloys

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Transition metals

  • Transition metals are the large block of metallic elements in the centre of the periodic table, many of which have similar properties.
  • They are very good conductors of electricity and energy, they are strong but cam be bent into shapes with a hammer.
  • Copper is a useful transition metal as it can be bent but is hard enough to be used as water tanks/pipes.(http://www.chemeddl.org/resources/TSTS/PeriodicTable.gif)
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Copper alloys

  • Bronze was the first alloy made by humans by mixing copper with tin.
  • It is used to make ships propellers because of how tough it is and its resistance to corrosion.
  • Brass is made by alloying copper with zinc and it is harder than copper but workable.
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Aluminium alloys

  • Aluminium has a low density for a metal and can be alloyed with a wide range of other elements.
  • Some aluminium alloys are used to build aircrafts while others are used on military tanks.
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Gold alloys

  • Gold and aluminium can be made harder by adding other elements. 
  • Gold is usually alloyed with copper when used in jewellery. 
  • Pure gold wears away more easily than its alloy with copper.
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