Introduction
The combined list of uses of all these elements could be long enough that you will get bored reading it, so we will chop it down to several different parts so it will be easier for students to understand the importance of each metal along with its uses. Let's talk about Zinc's uses; first, Zinc is used in the galvanization process in which the iron and the steel bars are dipped into hot molten Zinc to get it covered in the layer of Zinc.
Uses of Aluminium
Speaking of aluminum uses, there is one usage scenario where aluminum cannot be beaten, and that is in the manufacturing of aircraft fuselages. Aluminum is a light metal that can be easily molded into the aircraft's shape while still providing the rigidity of the metal, keeping passengers safe above 30,000 feet. On the other hand, most of the tin cans used to store food and soft drinks are made from aluminum. Most of the kitchen utensils you use in your daily life to cook food are also made from aluminum. The main reason for all of these various kitchen utensils to be made up of aluminum is their low density and non-toxic nature. Also, the thermal conductivity is pretty high, and the same goes for the melting point. Thus, you can use this element in your kitchen without any issues.
What are the Similarities between Iron, Copper, and Aluminium
All three of these elements are metals but have different molecular mass and atomic weights along with an atomic number. Likewise, all of them have luster, and all three of them are good conductors of electricity. All of them can be used to create a ring due to their resonant property. Lastly, all three of them are malleable and can be rusted easily when they contact air.
As a result, all three of them need to have a coating layer to protect them from getting rusted.
Aluminium Properties and Uses
Aluminum is the most abundant metal present in the Earth's crust, but it is hard to find it in the uncombined form. During the mining process, we can find it in minerals such as bauxite and cryolite. Also, these minerals which have aluminum in them are called aluminum silicates. There is no doubt that most of us have seen aluminum in our life as it is one metal we get to see everywhere, from our kitchens to airplanes to trash cans.
Aluminum, when not painted, is present in the silvery-white form. It's a lightweight metal that can be easily molded in any shape and size depending on the requirement and stays in that shape for the rest of the time. The melting point of aluminum is 660 degrees celsius. As a result, it is not advisable for containers made of aluminum to put in a microwave oven. On the other hand, speaking of the boiling point, the element will start boiling at 2519 degrees celsius.
What is the Use of Aluminium?
We can quickly develop 10 uses of copper as it is present in such a large quantity and has various uses. But the most critical benefit of copper is in the electrical equipment, such as in wiring the electrical component and in the motor coils. Another usage of aluminum is in the field of making coins. It is commonly found across the globe. As a result, its value isn't much, and it is used in the making of coins and other sculptures. The gunmetal also contains copper in it that allows it to quickly harden. The conductivity of both heat and electricity makes it ideal for wires that transmit electricity and signals. These were the major uses of aluminum.
Fun Facts about Copper, Aluminium and Zinc
The major uses of aluminum, along with copper and zinc, are written below.
First, copper is used as lightning protection as it's a good conductor of electricity. It takes the lightning from the top of the building and pushes it down to the ground.
Besides that, aluminum is the one metal that doesn't rust and weighs one-third of steel.
Likewise, Zinc has a self-healing property as its coating self sacrifices itself by going through a galvanic reaction to protect the steel on which it is coated.
These were some of the uses of iron copper aluminum-zinc.
Basic Elements: Iron, Copper, and Zinc
Iron, copper, aluminum, and zinc are the most basic elements in the study of chemistry. These important elements are introduced in chemistry classes much earlier in schools. However, their properties and characteristics are mainly studied in class VIII, chapter 3 metals and nonmetals. This chapter is prescribed by the Central Board of secondary education and therefore holds significant weightage in the examination.
There are various types of elements and copper, zinc and iron are elements that fall under the category of D block elements. These elements are found in the third group to the 12th group of the modern periodic table. D Block elements are also called transition elements or transition metals. The element aluminum falls under the category of P block elements. These elements are those in which the last electron comes in the P orbitals. These elements are found in groups 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, helium being an exception.
The atomic number of copper is 29, the atomic number of zinc is 30, the atomic number of iron is 26 and the atomic number of aluminum is 13. Iron, zinc, copper and aluminum all fall under the category of metals and therefore are moderate to good conductors of electricity. They have various physical and chemical properties and all of these are extremely useful in industrial and domestic fields.
Key Concepts Necessary to get a Better Understanding of These Elements are-
Physical Properties of Metals and Non-metals
Chemical Properties of Metals
What happens when Metals are burnt in Air?
What happens when Metals react with Water?
What happens when Metals react with Acids?
How do Metals react with Solutions of other Metal Salts?
The Reactivity Series
How dO Metals and Non-Metals React?
Properties of Ionic Compounds
Occurrence of Metals
Extraction of Metals
Enrichment of Ores
Extracting Metals Low in the Activity Series
Extracting Metals in the Middle of the Activity Series
Extracting Metals towards the Top of the Activity Series
Refining of Metals
Electrolytic Refining
Corrosion
Prevention of Corrosion
FAQs on Uses of Iron, Copper, Aluminium and Zinc
1. What are the major industrial and commercial uses of iron?
Iron is the most widely used metal, primarily because it is the main component of steel. Its key applications include:
- Construction: Used to make steel for reinforced concrete, girders, and structural supports in buildings and bridges.
- Manufacturing: Essential for producing automobiles, machinery, ships, and industrial tools due to its strength and durability.
- Alloys: Cast iron, containing 3-5% carbon, is used for pipes, valves, and pumps. Iron is also the base for various alloy steels with elements like nickel and chromium.
- Catalysis: Iron catalysts are crucial in the Haber process for synthesising ammonia, a vital component of fertilisers.
2. What makes copper an essential metal for electrical wiring and plumbing?
Copper is essential for electrical and plumbing applications due to its unique combination of properties. For electrical wiring, its high electrical conductivity and ductility allow it to efficiently transmit electricity and be drawn into thin wires without breaking. For plumbing, its excellent corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties ensure long-lasting, safe water pipes. It is also used to create alloys like bronze and brass.
3. What are some key applications of aluminium in transportation and packaging?
Aluminium's primary advantage is its low density combined with high strength. This makes it ideal for:
- Transportation: It is extensively used in the aerospace industry to build aircraft frames, as well as in cars, trains, and boats to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and resist corrosion.
- Packaging: Its malleability and non-toxic nature make it perfect for producing beverage cans, kitchen foil, and other protective wrapping materials that keep food fresh.
- Construction: It is also used for making lightweight and corrosion-resistant window frames, doors, and roofing.
4. What are the primary uses of zinc, particularly in protecting other metals?
The most important use of zinc is in the process of galvanisation. This involves applying a thin coating of zinc to iron or steel to prevent rusting. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding first and thereby protecting the metal underneath. Other key uses include:
- Alloys: Zinc is mixed with copper to produce the alloy brass.
- Die-Casting: Used to create intricate metal components for automotive and hardware industries.
- Health and Skincare: Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens and various skin ointments.
5. Why is copper generally used for electrical wires instead of aluminium, despite aluminium being lighter and less expensive?
While aluminium is used for high-voltage transmission lines due to its light weight, copper is preferred for residential and commercial wiring for several key reasons:
- Higher Conductivity: Copper has a higher electrical conductivity than aluminium, meaning a smaller-gauge copper wire can carry the same amount of current as a larger aluminium one.
- Greater Strength and Ductility: Copper is less prone to breaking when bent or pulled, making it easier and safer to install.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminium forms an insulating oxide layer that can cause connections to overheat, posing a fire risk. Copper is more stable and reliable at connection points.
- Lower Thermal Expansion: Copper expands and contracts less with temperature changes, ensuring connections remain tight over time.
6. How does the formation of alloys like steel expand the uses of iron in modern engineering?
Pure iron is relatively soft and not very strong. By alloying it, primarily with carbon, we create steel, which dramatically enhances its properties and expands its applications. Adding small amounts of carbon and other elements like manganese, chromium, or nickel can precisely control its tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. This allows engineers to create different types of steel for specific purposes, from the flexible steel used in construction to the hard steel for cutting tools and the rust-proof stainless steel used in medical equipment and kitchen utensils.
7. How are iron, copper, aluminium, and zinc used in objects we encounter in our daily lives?
These four metals are fundamental to our daily lives. For example:
- Iron: Forms the steel frame of our cars, is present in household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, and makes up the cutlery we eat with (as stainless steel).
- Copper: Found in all electrical wiring in our homes, the water pipes behind our walls, and in the motors of many electronic devices.
- Aluminium: Used for the foil in our kitchens, the beverage cans we drink from, and the frames of our windows and smartphones.
- Zinc: Coats nails, screws, and fences to prevent rust (galvanisation), is a key component in batteries (like AA and AAA), and is used in medicinal creams.
