Metal

Definition

Any of various fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous chemical elements that can conduct heat and/or electricity.

Purpose

Metals are fundamental materials used across numerous industries and applications due to their unique properties, such as conductivity, malleability, and strength. They play crucial roles in construction, manufacturing, electronics, transportation, and many other fields.

Examples of Use

• Construction: Used in building frameworks, reinforcements, and architectural elements (e.g., steel beams, aluminum windows).
• Manufacturing: Forming machinery, tools, and components (e.g., iron gears, copper wires).
• Electronics: Creating electrical circuits and components (e.g., gold connectors, silver solder).
• Transportation: Fabricating vehicle parts, including engines and body structures (e.g., titanium in aerospace, steel in automotive).

Related Terms

• Alloy: A mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal, designed to enhance certain properties (e.g., stainless steel, brass).
• Ductility: The ability of a metal to be drawn into thin wires.
• Conductivity: The property of a material that allows it to conduct heat and electricity.

Notes

• Metals are classified into ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (without iron) categories.
• Common metals include iron, copper, aluminum, gold, and silver, each with unique characteristics and applications.
• Recycling metals is important for sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.