Metals: ferrous, non-ferrous and alloys

From drinks cans to bridges, metals are strong, can be shaped and can be recycled. But which metal is right for which job?

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)

Ferrous metals

Ferrous metals contain iron. Most are magnetic, and most will rust if not protected.
MetalPropertiesUses
Mild steelTough, strong, easy to shape; rustsCar bodies, nails, screws, girders
Cast ironHard and strong in compression, but brittleVices, manhole covers
Stainless steelHard, resists rust and stainsCutlery, sinks, surgical tools

Non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. They are not magnetic and do not rust.
MetalPropertiesUses
AluminiumLight, resists corrosion, conducts heat wellDrinks cans, bike frames, aircraft
CopperExcellent conductor of electricity and heat, ductileElectrical wires, water pipes
ZincResists corrosionCoating steel to stop rust (galvanising)
TinSoft, resists corrosionCoating steel cans, solder

Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements, made to improve its properties.
Steel is iron with a little carbon. Stainless steel also contains chromium, which stops it rusting.
Brass is copper and zinc: used for door handles, musical instruments and plumbing fittings.
Bronze is copper and tin: used for statues and medals.
Alloys can be ferrous (steel) or non-ferrous (brass, bronze).
Worked example

A garden gate is made from mild steel. Explain the problem and one way to solve it.

  1. Mild steel is a ferrous metal, so it contains iron.
  2. Iron rusts when exposed to air and water, so the gate will rust outside.
  3. A finish such as paint, powder coating or galvanising (a zinc coating) keeps air and water off.

Answer: Mild steel rusts outdoors, so give it a protective finish such as paint, powder coating or galvanising.

Key idea

Ferrous metals contain iron and usually rust (mild steel, cast iron). Non-ferrous metals contain no iron (aluminium, copper, zinc, tin). Alloys are mixtures: steel (iron and carbon), brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin).

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Extra practice

2 more questions

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  1. Which of these is a ferrous metal?

    1. Copper
    2. Mild steel
    3. Aluminium
    4. Brass
    Show the answer

    Answer: Mild steel

    Steel contains iron.

  2. Which of these is NOT a non-ferrous metal?

    1. Copper
    2. Aluminium
    3. Cast iron
    4. Zinc
    Show the answer

    Answer: Cast iron

    Cast iron contains iron.

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Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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