Industrial metals essentials quiz.
Match copper, aluminium, zinc, nickel and tin with the jobs they often do. Every answer includes a short explanation.
Answers and explanations.
Try the quiz first. Then open any question to check the answer and the reason behind it.
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Which metal is widely used to carry electricity?
Choices: Copper · Zinc · Lead
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Copper. Copper conducts electricity well and can be drawn into wire, so it is common in cables and motors.
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What is zinc often used to do for steel?
Choices: Protect it from rust · Make it transparent · Turn it into copper
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Protect it from rust. A zinc coating can protect steel from corrosion. This process is called galvanizing.
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Why is aluminium useful in vehicles and aircraft?
Choices: It has a low density for a structural metal · It dissolves in fuel · It is always stronger than every steel
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It has a low density for a structural metal. Aluminium is relatively light. Designers can use that property to reduce weight, while choosing the right alloy for the job.
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Tin is an important ingredient in many kinds of what?
Choices: Solder · Concrete · Paper
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Solder. Tin is used in many solders that join electronic parts and other metal components.
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Nickel is used in stainless steel mainly to help with what?
Choices: Strength and corrosion resistance · Making it float · Turning it into glass
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Strength and corrosion resistance. Nickel can help stainless steels keep useful strength, toughness and corrosion resistance.
Learn more about this topic.
- Copper price chart: the metal behind wiring and motors.
- Industrial metals price guide: how base-metal prices are quoted.
- Metal supply concentration: which countries mine each metal.