大象传媒

Electrolysis extended content [GCSE Chemistry only]Properties and uses of metals

Electrolysis involves using electricity to break down electrolytes to form elements. The products of electrolysis can be predicted for a given electrolyte. Electrolysis is used in electroplating and purifying metals.

Part of Chemistry (Single Science)Metals and their extraction

The properties and uses of aluminium, copper and titanium

Most metals are very strong. They have high melting points and they have high heat and electrical conductivity. They are also malleable, which means they can be beaten or pressed into thin sheets.

The uses we make of metals are related to their properties.

MetalPropertiesUses
AluminiumGood strength-to-weight ratio, light, soft, ductile, good conductor of heat and electricityKitchen equipment, window frames, overhead electricity cables, drinks' cans, manufacturing aircraft
CopperMalleable and ductile, good conductor of heat and electricity, resistant to corrosion, attractive colour, lustreWater pipes, electrical wire, decorative goods
TitaniumGood strength-to-weight ratio, light, resistant to corrosion, good conductor of heat but poor conductor of electricityDrill bits, bicycles, golf clubs, watches and laptop computers, medical implants, jewellery, manufacturing aircraft and spacecraft
Aluminium
PropertiesGood strength-to-weight ratio, light, soft, ductile, good conductor of heat and electricity
UsesKitchen equipment, window frames, overhead electricity cables, drinks' cans, manufacturing aircraft
Copper
PropertiesMalleable and ductile, good conductor of heat and electricity, resistant to corrosion, attractive colour, lustre
UsesWater pipes, electrical wire, decorative goods
Titanium
PropertiesGood strength-to-weight ratio, light, resistant to corrosion, good conductor of heat but poor conductor of electricity
UsesDrill bits, bicycles, golf clubs, watches and laptop computers, medical implants, jewellery, manufacturing aircraft and spacecraft