Tag: chemical properties and uses of metals and non-metals

Metal which is silvery light, malleable and ductile and the boiling point is around $2050 ^\circ C$ is aluminium.

Metals were discovered and starts using approximately 5000 years ago. First metal to be used was the copper. Then after silver and gold. These metals were found in free state in nature.

Metals used to make bullet proof alloy steel is to titanium.

Nitrogen is used by plants for fixation in the form of nitrates. It can also be used by to prepare ammonia which can in turn be used as nitrogen fertilizers. Liquid nitrogen can also be used to prevent food at a very low temperature.

Zinc is used for galvanising iron to protect it from rusting. Using a less reactive metal than iron would allow iron to get in contact with air & moisture somehow which will lead to peeling up of the covering metal. Zinc is used because Zn corrodes faster than Iron protecting the Fe surface from corrosion.

Graphite contains carbon atoms in hexagonal rings, which are joined to form layers. Graphite is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Since graphite contains free electrons, it is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Carbon in the form of graphite is useful in the preparation of pencils.

Silver, copper and iron were used as currency in olden days.

Metals are available as micro-elements in our body. They are needed for conduction of nerve impulses, to carry oxygen by blood, to facilitate enzyme reactions and more. So, metals are used in medicine to cure any metal deficiency diseases in humans and animals. Ex. iron is a part of haemoglobin a biomolecule. Hence, it is used as ferrous sulphate to cure some forms of anaemia.

Metals like titanium, aluminum, magnesium are widely used in medicine for roles like antacids. They are specially studied under the subject of inorganic chemistry.

Gold has the following uses. It does not rusts and supports health. It gives protection from Sun. So, it is used in making jewellary.