Uses of metals
9.2What the syllabus asks of you
- Describe the uses of metals in terms of their physical properties, including: (a) aluminium in the manufacture of aircraft because of its low density (b) aluminium in the manufacture of overhead electrical cables because of its low density and good electrical conductivity (c) aluminium in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion (d) copper in electrical wiring because of its good electrical conductivity and ductility
Read the notes first
Chapter 9: Uses of metals
Drill this topic
Every question on Uses of metals, untimed, marked as you go.
Make a worksheet
Choose the years and how many questions, then print it with the answers on separate pages.
10 questions
1May / June 2026 · Paper 11 · Q24Show mark scheme →
AIt is used in the electrical wiring of houses because of its high resistance to corrosion and poor electrical conductivity.
BIt is used in the manufacture of aircraft because of its high ductility and high density.
CIt is used in overhead electrical cables because of its good electrical conductivity and poor resistance to corrosion.
DIt is used in food containers because of its high malleability and high resistance to corrosion.
Mark scheme
2Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 11 · Q24Show mark scheme →
AAluminium is used in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion.
BAluminium is used in the manufacture of aircraft because of its low ductility.
CCopper is used in electrical wiring because of its high density.
DCopper is used in the manufacture of overhead electrical cables because it forms an unreactive oxide layer.
Mark scheme
3Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 12 · Q28Show mark scheme →
AAluminium is above copper in the reactivity series.
BAluminium is less dense than copper.
CCopper does not have an oxide coating.
DCopper reacts with water.
Mark scheme
4Oct / Nov 2023 · Paper 11 · Q25Show mark scheme →
A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C1 and 3 only
D2 and 3 only
Mark scheme
5Oct / Nov 2023 · Paper 12 · Q25Show mark scheme →
Aboth 1 and 2
B1 only
C2 only
Dneither 1 nor 2
Mark scheme
6May / June 2023 · Paper 11 · Q25Show mark scheme →
A1 and 2 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
Mark scheme
7May / June 2019 · Paper 11 · Q30Show mark scheme →
A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C1 and 3 only
D2 and 3 only
Mark scheme
8May / June 2018 · Paper 12 · Q33Show mark scheme →
A1 and 2
B1 only
C2 only
Dneither 1 nor 2
Mark scheme
9May / June 2017 · Paper 12 · Q29Show mark scheme →
AIt has a low density.
BIt is a good conductor of electricity.
CIt is a poor conductor of heat.
DIt is covered in an unreactive layer of aluminium carbonate.
Mark scheme
10Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 12 · Q21Show mark scheme →
AAluminium is used for making food containers and electrical cables.
BCopper is used for making brass.
CIron is used as a catalyst in the contact process.
DNickel is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of alkenes.
Mark scheme

