METALS

A JOURNEY THROUGH
TIME AND ENGINEERING
Presented by Group 1

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Overview

Fun Fact Introduction Characteristics Classifications

History Of Metals Of Metals

Metals in the Examples Production Products And Conclusion

Periodic Table Process Uses

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Introduction

Metals play a fundamental role in engineering and

are a crucial component of modern society. This
report provides an overview of metals, including
their history, classifications, characteristics,
examples, production processes, various products
and uses in engineering, and their place in the
periodic table.

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History

The use of metals dates back to ancient times, with copper being one of
the first metals to be widely utilized by humans around 10,000 years
ago. The discovery of copper marked the beginning of the Metal Ages,
which includes the Bronze Age (characterized by the use of copper and
tin alloys) and the Iron Age (marked by the use of iron and steel). These
transitions significantly impacted the development of human
civilization, enabling advancements in agriculture, transportation, and
warfare. Metals have evolved from ancient discoveries to the forefront
of modern materials science, driving technological progress throughout
history.

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History

Copper Age (5000 BCE): Early use of copper, extracted from native sources.
Bronze Age (3300 BCE - 1200 BCE): Invention of bronze by alloying copper with
tin; used for tools and weapons.
Iron Age (1200 BCE - Ongoing): Discovery and widespread use of iron;
development of steel for tools, weapons, and construction.
Medieval and Renaissance: Improved steel production, leading to Damascus
steel; experimentation with alchemy.
Industrial Revolution: Invention of blast furnace and Bessemer process; mass
production of high-quality steel.
20th Century: Advancements in non-ferrous metals (e.g., aluminum, copper,
titanium) and development of superalloys; metals in electronics and aerospace.

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Characteristics
of Metals
Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors
of electricity and heat. This property makes
them indispensable in electrical wiring,
electronics, and heat exchangers.
Malleability: Metals can be easily shaped and
molded without breaking. This property allows
for various forming processes like forging,
rolling, and extrusion.
Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires
without losing their integrity. This property is
vital for applications such as wire production
and cable manufacturing.
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Luster: Most metals have a shiny
appearance due to their ability to reflect
light. This characteristic contributes to their
aesthetic appeal and use in jewelry and
decorative items.
Density: Metals tend to have high densities,
making them suitable for applications
requiring weight or mass, such as in
automotive and aerospace industries.
Strength: Many metals possess high tensile
and compressive strengths, making them
suitable for structural applications in
buildings, bridges, and machinery.
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Characteristics
of Metals

Corrosion Resistance: Some metals exhibit

excellent resistance to corrosion. For
example, stainless steel contains chromium,
which forms a protective oxide layer,
preventing rust.
High Melting and Boiling Points: Metals
generally have high melting and boiling
points, making them suitable for high-
temperature applications like engine
components and furnaces.

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Classifications
of Metals
Metals can be classified into several categories based on various criteria

Alloy Base Metals

Chemical vs. Noble
Properties Metals Metals

Ferrous Metals: These contain These are mixtures of two or Base Metals: These are
iron as their primary more elements, with at least more common and less
constituent. Common one being a metal. Alloying precious. Examples include
examples include iron, steel, can enhance the properties aluminum, copper, and zinc.
and cast iron. of metals, such as strength, Noble Metals: These are
Non-Ferrous Metals: These do corrosion resistance, and rarer and have high
not contain significant conductivity. Examples resistance to corrosion and
amounts of iron. Examples include stainless steel (iron oxidation. Examples include
include aluminum, copper, and and chromium) and bronze
gold, platinum, and
titanium. (copper and tin).
palladium.

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Periodic Table
Metals are found primarily on the left side of the periodic table. They constitute the majority of elements and are characterized by
properties such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility. The periodic table classifies metals into several groups:

Alkali Metals Alkaline Earth

(Group 1): Metals (Group 2):
Metals like calcium and magnesium, are
Are soft, shiny metals with low
less reactive than alkali metals but still
melting points.
exhibit high reactivity.
Alkali metals react readily with air
They are silvery, shiny, and relatively soft
and moisture.
metals.
Extremely reactive metals like
They are fairly reactive under standard
lithium, sodium, and potassium.
conditions.
They have two outer valence electrons
which they readily lose.

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Periodic Table
Metals are found primarily on the left side of the periodic table. They constitute the majority of elements and are characterized by
properties such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility. The periodic table classifies metals into several groups:

Post-Transition
Transition Metals Metals
(Groups 3-12): The post-transition metals, also known as
the poor metals, is a group of metals on
These are the familiar metals used
the periodic table.
extensively in engineering and
They are to the right of the transition
industry, such as iron, copper, and
metals.
titanium.
Sometimes germanium and antimony are
included, although they are normally
considered metalloids.
This group includes metals like aluminum,
tin, and lead.

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Metals

Iron and Steel: Aluminum: Titanium:

A lightweight non-ferrous metal Renowned for its strength and
Iron is a ferrous metal, and
used in aircraft, packaging, and corrosion resistance, titanium is
when alloyed with carbon, it
construction due to its excellent used in aerospace applications,
forms steel. Steel is widely
strength-to-weight ratio. medical implants, and sporting
used in construction,
equipment.
automotive manufacturing, and
machinery.

Copper: Gold and Silver:

Known for its excellent electrical Noble metals like gold and silver are
conductivity, copper is used in used in jewelry, currency, and
electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronic components due to their
electronics. beauty and conductivity.

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Production
Process
1. Mining: Metal ores are extracted from the Earth's crust.
2. Ore Processing: Ores are crushed and refined to extract the desired
metal.
3. Smelting: The metal is separated from impurities through a high-
temperature process, often involving furnaces and chemical reactions.
4. Alloying: If necessary, metals are alloyed to achieve desired properties.
5. Forming: Metals are shaped into various products through processes like
casting, forging, and rolling.
6. Finishing: Surface treatments, such as plating, polishing, or coating, may be
applied for specific applications.

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Uses

Construction: Steel is used in buildings, Energy: Metals are used in power

bridges, and infrastructure. Aluminum is generation and transmission equipment,
used for facades and roofing due to its such as turbines, transformers, and
lightweight nature. cables.
Transportation: Metals are essential in Machinery and Manufacturing: Metals
automotive, aerospace, and maritime are used in the production of machinery,
industries, providing structural integrity tools, and equipment in various
and performance. industries.
Electronics: Copper is used in wiring and Consumer Goods: Metals are found in
circuitry, while semiconductors use everyday items like cookware,
materials like silicon. appliances, and jewelry.

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Conclusion

Metals, with their unique characteristics

and classifications on the periodic table, have
a rich history and diverse applications in
engineering. Understanding their properties,
production processes, and uses is essential
for engineers and anyone involved in materials
science and manufacturing. As technology
advances, the role of metals in engineering
continues to evolve, driving innovation and
progress in numerous fields.

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