If you mix iron with other metal elements or carbon it forms an alloy called steel. This changes the regular structure of the pure metal. In the diagram, the different colours show the different atoms in steel.
Use the diagram to suggest why steel is less malleable than pure iron.
Important Questions on Metals, Non-metals and Corrosion
An engineer is choosing a material to make the blades on jet engine blades.
Suggest what physical properties the material must have. Give reasons for your choices.
Non-metals can also have unusual properties. For the following non-metal, say which property is unusual (there might be more than one).
Graphite is a form of carbon. It is dull, soft, can conduct electricity and has a higher melting point than any metal element .
Non-metals can also have unusual properties. For the following non-metal, say which property is unusual (there might be more than one).
Silicon is a shiny, brittle insulator.
Non-metals can also have unusual properties. For the following non-metal, say which property is unusual (there might be more than one).
Diamond is another form of carbon. It is a good conductor of heat and is very hard.
Give some uses of iron and steel.
Explain why rusting is not a useful chemical reaction.
Choose a method to prevent the following object from rusting. Give a reason for your choice.
Underground metal pipes.
