Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
One question decides which family a metal belongs to: does it contain iron? Learn the named ferrous and non-ferrous metals, their properties, and how to choose the right one for a job.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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Two families of metal
Metals split into two big families. Ferrous metals contain iron, which makes them strong but means most of them rust and are magnetic. Non-ferrous metals contain no iron, so they resist rust and are not magnetic. Knowing which named metal belongs to which family, and its properties, is exactly what this topic tests.
Metal property words
Five ideas run through the topic:
What makes a metal ferrous?
What is it that makes a metal a ferrous metal?
- It contains iron
- It is shiny and silver in colour
- It costs more than other metals
- It is very light in weight
Match each metal to a use
- Mild steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Car bodies and structural beams
- Kitchen sinks and cutlery
- Drinks cans and aircraft bodies
- Electrical wiring and water pipes
Ferrous vs non-ferrous
One thing separates the two families: iron.
Spot the non-ferrous metals
Select the TWO non-ferrous metals.
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Mild steel
- Cast iron
Two quick clues
Two clues help you spot a ferrous metal. First, iron rusts, so a metal that goes rusty almost certainly contains iron. Second, iron is magnetic, so if a magnet sticks to it, it is ferrous. Aluminium, copper and brass do neither, because they contain no iron. Stainless steel is the exception: it is ferrous but resists rust because chromium is added to it.
Complete the metals
Metals that contain iron are called _____ metals, and they are usually magnetic. Metals with no iron are _____ metals. Copper is very _____, so it can be drawn into thin wires for electrical cables. A metal that resists scratching and wear has high _____. Brass is an alloy of copper and _____.
Tap the ferrous metals
Tap the TWO ferrous metals, the ones that contain iron.
- Mild steel, used for car bodies and nails.
- Aluminium, used for lightweight drinks cans.
- Cast iron, used for heavy machine bases and pans.
- Copper, used for electrical wiring.
- Brass, used for taps and door handles.
The magnet test
A workshop uses a simple magnet test to check whether a metal is ferrous. Put the steps in order.
- Take the metal sample whose type is unknown
- Hold a magnet close to the sample
- Observe whether the magnet is attracted to it
- A strong attraction shows the metal contains iron
- Conclude that it is a ferrous metal
Pick the right metal
Choose the best metal for each job, and think about why.
- A designer needs a light, rust-free body for a drinks can. Which metal fits?
- An electrician needs the best metal for the wires inside a plug. Which fits?
- A canteen wants durable, rust-free kitchen sinks. Which ferrous metal is made to resist rust?
Justify your choice
A company is designing an outdoor garden tap. Recommend a suitable metal and justify your choice.
- Name a suitable metal and state whether it is ferrous or non-ferrous
- Explain why it must resist rust when used outdoors
- Refer to a useful property, such as hardness or corrosion resistance
- Explain why a rust-prone metal like mild steel would be a poor choice