A mineral from which a metal can be extracted conveniently and profitably is called on ore.
Normally ores are found mixed with a lot of impurities such as soil and rocks. The quantities of impurities vary and where there are fewer impurities, they are called high-grade ores. The impurities are called gangue.
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Uses of Common Metals
Uses of Iron:
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Cast iron is used for making pipes, sinks, cylinders, stoves, etc.
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Wrought iron is used for making agricultural implements, wire nets, chairs, nails, etc. It is also used for making cores of electromagnets.
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Iron is converted into different kinds of steel. The steel is used for making tools, ships, bridges, machinery, etc.
Uses of Aluminum:
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It is used for making paints and mirrors.
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It is used for making utensils, aluminum foil, electric wires, etc., as it is malleable and ductile.
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Since it is a light metal, it is used for making the body of ships, cars, etc.
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For making alloys such as duralumin and magnesium, etc., which are very strong. These alloys are used for making aircraft, rockets, etc.
Uses of Copper:
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Extensively used for making electric appliances.
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For making electric conductors for generators and electrical transmission.
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As electrodes for electroplating applications.
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Used in printed circuit boards for electric circuits of electronic equipments.
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For making certain alloys like brass, bronze and German silver.
Uses of Zinc:
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The metal is used principally as a protective coating, or galvanizer, for iron and steel; as an ingredient of various alloys, especially brass; as plates for dry electric cells; and for die-casting.
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Zinc dust is used as an important reducing agent in the manufacture of synthetic drugs, perfumes, etc.
Uses of Lead:
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Lead is used for making many alloys.
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It is used for making lead pipes and containers for corrosive liquids.
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It is used in storage batteries.
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It is used for making protective screens for X-rays and other harmful radiations.
Underground telephone cables are protected by lead covering.