5.5 explain the uses of aluminium and iron, in terms of their properties

Uses (due to properties) of iron
The properties of iron are all the usual properties of a metal. However, adding something to iron can change its properties (as expected), this means it an be made suitable for many different things. Fir example...
- Pure iron (wrought iron) is malleable ('bendable'), this means it is used to make things such as ornamental gates and railings (as it can be twisted into pretty shapes etc)
- Cast iron (a mixture of iron, carbon and silicon) is very hard, this means it is used to make things such as manhole covers (that undergo lots of pressure, from vehicles, daily) and also some cooking pans
- Steel (an alloy made of iron) is harder than pure (wrought) iron but is still malleable and can also be welded together. It can be easily hammered into sheets and, because of this, it is great for making things that need thin hard metal, such as car bodies and girders for construction.

NOTE: a downside to using iron is that it rusts easily. However, stainless steel (an alloy of iron and chromium) will not rust, because of this, it is used in making things such as cutlery and pans that are exposed to water often (when cleaning etc).

Uses (due to properties) of aluminium
Aluminium is slightly different to iron, it also has all the main properties of a metal however, it doesn't corrode easily. This is because it quickly reacts with oxygen in the air, producing aluminium oxide (which forms as a protective layer around the aluminium, stopping any further reaction taking place) - this stops corrosion.

Due to its non-corroding property, it is used to make products that often come into contact with water (such as coke cans etc).

Aluminium is also a lot less dense than iron, which consequently makes it lighter (less particles per certain area etc), this means it is useful for making things when the weight of a metal frame needs to be taken into consideration (for example, when producing a bicycle frame or aeroplane body)