1. Ferrous Metals:
- Iron and its alloys.
- Magnetic in nature.
- Relatively strong and durable.
- Commonly used in construction, machinery, and automotive industries.
- Examples: Steel, Cast Iron, Wrought Iron.
2. Non-Ferrous Metals:
- Metals other than iron.
- Generally not magnetic.
- Usually lighter and more resistant to corrosion compared to ferrous metals.
- Examples include:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, used in aircraft, construction, and consumer products.
- Copper: Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics.
- Zinc: Corrosion-resistant, used for galvanizing steel to protect it from rust.
- Lead: Soft, malleable, and dense, used in batteries, ammunition, and plumbing.
- Titanium: Strong, lightweight, and highly corrosion-resistant, used in aerospace, medical, and marine applications.
3. Precious Metals:
- Valuable and rare metals.
- High resistance to corrosion and tarnishing.
- Used in jewelry, currency, and as investments.
- Examples:
- Gold: Yellowish color, soft and malleable, used in jewelry, electronics, and dentistry.
- Silver: White color, shiny, and has good electrical conductivity, used in jewelry, currency, and photography.
- Platinum: Heavy, dense, and highly corrosion-resistant, used in jewelry, dentistry, and catalytic converters.
4. Alkali Metals:
- Highly reactive metals.
- Form basic oxides and hydroxides when reacting with oxygen and water.
- Soft, low density, and have low melting points.
- Examples:
- Sodium: Silvery-white, soft, highly reactive, used in various industrial processes and products.
- Potassium: Silvery-white, soft, and highly reactive, used in fertilizers, soaps, and electronics.
5. Alkaline Earth Metals:
- Moderately reactive metals.
- Form basic oxides and hydroxides when reacting with oxygen and water.
- Harder and denser than alkali metals.
- Examples:
- Calcium: Silvery-white, harder than alkali metals, essential for bone health and used in various industrial applications.
- Magnesium: Silvery-white, lightweight, and strong, used in alloys, construction, and photography.
These are just a few examples of different types of metals and their characteristics. There are many other metals and alloys with unique properties that are used in various industries and applications.