Top 10 Uses of Metals with Examples in Daily Life and Industry
The uses of metals in chemistry and daily life are countless, making this topic important for students of all grades. Understanding how metals are applied in our homes, technology, transport, and health is essential for practical learning and strong academic performance.
What is the Use of Metals in Chemistry?
Uses of metals refer to all the practical applications where metals are utilized because of their unique properties such as strength, ductility, conductivity, and malleability. This concept appears in chapters related to types of elements, the periodic table, properties of metals, and alloys, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Properties of Metals Relevant to Their Uses
Metals have special physical and chemical properties which make them suitable for hundreds of uses:
- High electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g., copper, aluminium)
- Malleability and ductility (easy to bend or stretch)
- Shiny surface (lustre), so used in decorative things
- High melting and boiling points
- Toughness and strength (iron, steel)
- Some resist corrosion (gold, platinum)
10 Uses of Metals
The 10 main uses of metals include construction, transport, cooking utensils, electrical wiring, jewelry, coins, medicine, packaging, agriculture, and aerospace components. Here are examples of metals and their real-life uses:
- Construction (iron, steel): Used for making buildings, bridges, and gates.
- Transport (aluminium, steel): Metals are used in cars, trains, aeroplanes, and ships.
- Cooking utensils (aluminium, copper, stainless steel): Pots, pans, and kitchen tools are made from metals for fast heat transfer.
- Electrical wiring (copper, aluminium): Metals carry electric current in wires and cables.
- Jewelry (gold, silver, platinum): Precious metals are shaped into rings, chains, and ornaments.
- Coins and currency (nickel, copper): Metals are used to make coins because they are hard and last long.
- Medicine (iron, zinc, magnesium): Metals and their salts help in making supplements and medicines.
- Packaging (aluminium): Soft drink cans and foil are made of metal for strength and protection.
- Agriculture (magnesium, zinc): Nutrient-rich metal salts boost soil quality and plant growth.
- Aerospace (titanium, aluminium): Lightweight yet strong metals are used in spacecraft and aircraft parts.
Major Uses of Metals (With Examples)
Let us explore more examples of the uses of metals in daily life and industries. The following table shows some metals, their key property, and where they are used:
| Metal | Main Property | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Strength, Magnetic | Construction, tools, vehicle frames |
| Aluminium (Al) | Lightweight, Resistant to rust | Utensils, aircraft, packaging |
| Copper (Cu) | Best electrical conductor | Wires, motors, coins |
| Gold (Au) | Ductile, non-corrosive | Jewelry, electronics |
| Titanium (Ti) | High strength, Light | Aircraft, artificial joints |
| Zinc (Zn) | Rust protection | Galvanization, batteries |
| Silver (Ag) | Highly conductive | Jewelry, mirrors, circuits |
Uses of Metals in Real Life
Metals are everywhere in our homes and surroundings. From locks, door handles, furniture, and pipes to cutlery and mobile phones – metals play an important part in daily life. Household appliances like fans, refrigerators, heaters, and even coins all depend on metals for their working and lifespan.
Uses of Alloys
Most metallic things we use are not pure metals but alloys. An alloy is a mixture of metals made to improve strength, resistance, or special properties. Common examples are:
- Steel (iron + carbon): Stronger than pure iron for making tools, cars, buildings
- Brass (copper + zinc): Used in musical instruments, taps, and decorative pieces
- Bronze (copper + tin): Used in coins, medals, and statues
- Stainless steel: Does not rust, perfect for kitchen sinks and medical tools
Uses of Metals in Transport & Construction
Without metals, there would be no bikes, trains, aeroplanes, cars, or even buildings. The strong yet flexible nature of metals such as steel and aluminium makes them essential in the frames, parts, and outer bodies of all vehicles and the supporting structures in houses, factories, and bridges. Their ability to bear heavy weight and resist weather damage makes metals perfect for such tasks.
Metals vs Nonmetals: Uses Comparison
| Metals | Nonmetals |
|---|---|
| Construction, transport, wires, utensils, machinery | Fertilizers, breathing (oxygen), medicines, plastics (carbon-based) |
| Shiny, strong, conduct electricity | Often gases or brittle solids, do not conduct electricity |
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Extraction of iron from haematite in blast furnace2. Iron oxide reacts with carbon monoxide:
3. Pure iron is collected at the bottom, then alloyed to form steel
Lab or Experimental Tips
When learning about uses of metals, remember: properties like conduction, malleability, and corrosion resistance help decide which metal is best for which use. Vedantu educators often help students visualize this by connecting daily objects to different metals in the classroom.
Try This Yourself
- List three kitchen items made of metals, and mention which metal is used in each.
- Find two devices at home containing copper wiring.
- Write reasons why gold is not used to make car bodies.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored the uses of metals—from construction and utensils to transport, technology, and beyond. Understanding uses of metals is a key skill for science students, helping you connect real life to the world of chemistry. For more practice, live classes, and engaging content, check Vedantu’s science resources and notes.
Properties of Metals
Alloys and their Uses
Metals and Nonmetals
Periodic Table of Elements
FAQs on Uses of Metals: Importance, Properties, and Everyday Applications
1. What are five common uses of metals?
Five common uses of metals include daily necessities and critical industries. These uses are:
- Construction – Metals like iron and steel are used to build bridges, buildings, and infrastructure.
- Transportation – Aluminium and steel are essential for cars, airplanes, and trains.
- Electrical wiring – Copper is widely used due to its excellent conductivity.
- Manufacturing utensils – Stainless steel, aluminium, and copper are preferred choices for cookware.
- Jewelry making – Gold, silver, and platinum are used for decorative ornaments.
2. Why is copper used for making electrical wires?
Copper is used for electrical wires because of its exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility. Its key properties include:
- High electrical conductivity enables efficient current flow.
- Ductility allows copper to be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
- Resistance to corrosion enhances durability in wiring systems.
3. What is the importance of metals in daily life?
Metals are vital in daily life for various reasons:
- Provide strong materials for construction and tools.
- Enable manufacturing of vehicles, appliances, and gadgets.
- Essential for cooking utensils and storage containers.
- Facilitate communication and energy through wiring and electronics.
- Contribute to health in the form of trace minerals in the body.
4. Which metals are used in the construction of buildings and bridges?
Iron and steel are the principal metals used in making buildings and bridges. They offer:
- High strength and durability for load-bearing structures.
- Flexibility to form various shapes and frameworks.
- Resistance to wear and ability to withstand environmental stress.
5. What are alloys and why are they commonly used instead of pure metals?
Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements (at least one being a metal) that offer improved properties for practical applications. They are often preferred over pure metals due to:
- Increased strength and hardness (e.g., steel vs. pure iron).
- Greater resistance to corrosion (e.g., stainless steel).
- Better suitability for specific tasks or environments.
6. List ten uses of metals with examples.
Ten uses of metals with examples are:
- Building construction – Iron, steel
- Electrical wiring – Copper, aluminium
- Transportation vehicles – Aluminium (airplanes), steel (cars)
- Jewelry – Gold, silver, platinum
- Coins and currency – Nickel, copper
- Cooking utensils – Aluminium, stainless steel
- Medical tools – Stainless steel, titanium
- Batteries – Zinc, lithium
- Packaging – Aluminium foil and cans
- Agricultural equipment – Iron, steel
7. What role do metals play in the human body?
Metals are trace elements essential for human health. Their roles include:
- Iron: Forms haemoglobin for oxygen transport.
- Zinc: Supports immune function and enzyme action.
- Magnesium: Regulates muscle and nerve activity.
8. How do the properties of metals determine their uses?
The properties of metals such as malleability, ductility, electrical conductivity, and strength define their practical uses:
- Ductility: Suits metals like copper for electrical wires.
- Malleability: Enables metals like aluminium to form foils and cans.
- Conductivity: Makes metals ideal for electronic devices and circuits.
- High melting point: Allows use in cookware and industrial machinery.
9. Can you compare the uses of metals and nonmetals?
Metals and nonmetals have contrasting uses due to their different properties:
- Metals: Used for construction, wiring, vehicles, utensils, and machinery because they are strong, good conductors, and malleable.
- Nonmetals: Used for insulation (sulfur, rubber), water purification (chlorine), and as fuels (carbon, hydrogen) because they are non-conductive and often reactive.
10. Why are metals preferred over plastic in transportation vehicles?
Metals are preferred in vehicles because they provide:
- Greater strength and durability for safety.
- Resistance to high temperatures and impact.
- Structural support needed for engines and frames.
- Some plastics are being used for lightweight parts, but critical components remain metal for reliability.
11. How are metals beneficial in agriculture?
Metals support agriculture by:
- Forming tools and machinery such as ploughs, tractors, and irrigation equipment (mainly iron and steel).
- Contributing as micronutrients (zinc, iron) essential for plant growth when used in fertilizers.
12. What environmental concerns exist regarding the use of metals?
Environmental concerns with metals include:
- Pollution from mining and extraction processes.
- Resource depletion due to overuse or non-recycling.
- Waste and toxicity from improper disposal of metal-containing products.
- Recycling and sustainable mining reduce these environmental impacts.
