Classification of Metals

Metals are classified into two groups namely, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

i. Ferrous Metals:

These are metals that contain iron. As such, they can be attracted to any magnetic substance, which means they are magnetic. Examples include steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and stainless steel.

Properties of Ferrous Metals:

• Good conductors of electricity.
• Usually have a silver-like colour.
• They don’t corrode easily.
• They have great tensile strength.
• They are usually magnetic.
• Ferrous metals a re durable.

ii. Non-ferrous Metals:

These are metals that do not contain iron. They cannot be attracted to any magnetic substance, which means they are non-magnetic. Examples include aluminium, copper, zinc, tin, gold, etc.

Properties of Non-ferrous Metals:

• They are non-magnetic.
• They have high corrosionCorrosion is defined as a natural process that causes the transformation of pure metals into undesirable substances when they react with substances like water or air. This reaction causes damage and... More resistance.
• Great electrical conductivity.
• Great thermal conductivity.
• They are colourful.
• They have a lower densityDensity is the measurement of how tightly a material is packed together i.e. how closely the particles are packed in the material. The tighter the material is packed the more its... More (less mass) when compared to ferrous metals.
• They are easy to fabricate.

When two metals are mixed together to produce a mixture that has properties different from those of the original metals, the product is called an alloy. Alloys with iron content are called ferrous alloys, while those without iron content are called non-ferrous alloys.