Uses of metals and nonmetals

In Class 6 Chemistry, we learn about metals and non-metals, two important categories of elements that make up our world. Let us explore the various uses of metals and non-metals through simple language and illustrative examples.

Metals

Metals are elements that are generally hard, lustrous, and good conductors of electricity and heat. They are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires). Some common metals include iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and gold (Au). Let's examine some of the uses of metals.

1. Iron

Iron is a very useful metal and is a major component of steel. Steel is used to make the following:

• Buildings and bridges
• Vehicles like cars and trucks
• Equipment and machinery

      ,
     ,
     ,
        ,
    

The above visual example can represent a simple steel structure.

2. Aluminium

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is often used for:

• Making airplanes and spaceships
• Packaging, such as soda cans and foil
• Construction, such as window frames and doors

     ,
    ,
   ,
    ,
    

This illustration can be seen as an aluminum can.

3. Copper

Copper is known for its excellent electrical conductivity. It is used for:

• Electrical wires and cables
• Plumbing and heating systems
• Components in electrical equipment and electronics

      ,
     ,
     ,
    

The schematic illustration gives an idea of a section of copper wire.

4. Gold

Gold is a precious, lustrous, and rust-resistant metal. It is used for the following:

• Jewellery and jewellery making
• Currency as a backing and investment asset
• Electronic connections in high-end devices

      ,
     ,
    ,
    

This triangle with base can represent a simple gold ring.

5. Other metals

There are a number of other metals with specialized uses:

• Silver: used in mirrors, electrical conductors, and jewelry
• Zinc: used for galvanization on iron to prevent rusting
• Platinum: used in catalytic converters for vehicles and in jewelry

Non metallic

Nonmetals have properties opposite to those of metals. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they are not lustrous. Examples include oxygen (O), carbon (C), sulfur (S), and nitrogen (N).

1. Oxygen

Oxygen is essential for life and is used to:

• Breathing by humans and animals
• Combustion processes
• Medical use in oxygen therapy

      Hey
     ,
    HH
    

This simplified diagram shows a water molecule, and the role of oxygen in water formation.

2. Carbon

Carbon is a versatile element that is found in:

• All living organisms (as part of organic compounds)
• Fuels like coal and petroleum
• Materials such as graphite and diamond

      C
     ,
    haha
    

Its structure is a basic organic molecule (methane), showing the presence of carbon.

3. Sulfur

Sulfur is used for the following:

• Manufacture of sulfuric acid, which is important in the chemical industry
• Fungicides and insecticides in agriculture
• Vulcanization of rubber for tyres

    ,
       ,
    

This zig-zag line may represent the commercial use of sulfur in roads.

4. Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a major component of the atmosphere and is used for:

• Production of ammonia for fertilizers
• Preserving packaged foods by replacing oxygen
• Manufacture of explosives such as TNT

      N
     ,
    ,
    

This simple diagram can represent nitrogen in molecular form.

5. Other non-metals

Other nonmetals also have unique uses:

• Helium: used in balloons and as a coolant in some applications
• Phosphorus: used in safety matches and fertilizers
• Chlorine: used to disinfect water and make cleaning products

Conclusion

Metals and nonmetals are essential to our daily lives, providing the materials and elements that build our infrastructure, enable technologies, and serve many functions in industries and homes. Understanding their uses helps us appreciate their role in the world.

Comments