Important Facts About Some Metals

Aluminium (Al)

• Lightest metal used in construction and packaging industries.
• Highly reactive but resists corrosion due to a protective oxide layer.
• Extracted from bauxite using electrolysis (Hall-Héroult process).
• Used in aircraft manufacturing, utensils, and electrical cables.

Iron (Fe)

• Most widely used metal in construction and manufacturing.
• Extracted from hematite (Fe₂O₃) using blast furnace.
• Used to make steel — an alloy of iron with carbon.
• Rusts in presence of moisture and air (Fe → Fe₂O₃·xH₂O).

Copper (Cu)

• Excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
• Used in electrical wiring, motors, coins, and plumbing.
• Resists corrosion and forms a green patina (basic copper carbonate).
• Extracted from copper pyrites (CuFeS₂).

Gold (Au)

• Highly malleable and ductile metal.
• Does not tarnish or corrode easily — used in jewelry and electronics.
• Found in free state — refined by cyanide leaching method.
• Good conductor and used in high-end electronics.

Zinc (Zn)

• Used for galvanizing iron to prevent rusting.
• Zinc oxide is used in paints, rubber, and cosmetics.
• Important in battery manufacturing (zinc-carbon cells).
• Extracted from zinc blende (ZnS).

Lead (Pb)

• Soft, heavy metal with high density and corrosion resistance.
• Used in car batteries, shielding against radiation, and cable sheathing.
• Toxic in nature — limited use due to environmental concerns.
• Extracted from galena (PbS).

Mercury (Hg)

• Only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
• Used in thermometers, barometers, and fluorescent lamps.
• Highly toxic and regulated due to environmental hazards.
• Found in the ore cinnabar (HgS).

Conclusion

These metals have played an essential role in technological and economic development. Understanding their properties, extraction, and uses is crucial for various fields including construction, medicine, transportation, and energy.