EasyChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Properties of Metals and Non-metalsConceptual
Why are electric wires made of copper or aluminium, and cooking pans of steel or aluminium, and not…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Why are electric wires made of copper or aluminium, and cooking pans of steel or aluminium, and not of sulphur or wood? Name the properties that decide it.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Metals are usually shiny, hard, malleable, ductile, sonorous and good conductors, with high melting points. Non-metals are usually dull, brittle and poor conductors. Exceptions: mercury is liquid, sodium is soft and floats, graphite conducts, iodine is shiny, diamond is very hard. Metalloids such as silicon have properties of both.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Wires. Copper and aluminium are ductile and conduct electricity well.
Step 2. Pans. Steel and aluminium conduct heat, are strong and melt only at high temperatures.
Step 3. Sulphur is brittle and does not conduct; wood burns and conducts heat poorly.
Answer: ductility, conduction of electricity and heat, strength and a high melting point.
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