Who this is for: Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) students who want uses of metals — linking aluminium, copper, iron and alloys to their properties — to become application marks instead of random examples.
What query it owns: how to understand and revise uses of metals in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Why this is safe: this page owns the uses of metals revision-guide angle, while Tutopiya’s Uses Of Metals subtopic page owns the learning resource and the free Uses Of Metals quiz owns the practice.

Uses of metals connect physical and chemical properties to real applications. Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) tests why aluminium is used in aircraft, copper in wiring, iron in construction, and how alloys like stainless steel and brass improve on pure metals. This guide pairs each metal with its property-based use and the explanation wording examiners reward.

Key takeaways

• Aluminium — low density, corrosion-resistant oxide layer → aircraft, food containers, overhead power cables (with steel core).
• Copper — excellent electrical conductor, ductile → electrical wiring, water pipes.
• Iron / steel — strong, cheap → construction, vehicles, machinery.
• Stainless steel (iron + chromium + nickel) — corrosion resistant → cutlery, surgical instruments.
• Brass (copper + zinc) — hard, corrosion resistant → musical instruments, fittings.

What are uses of metals in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry?

Uses of metals are the practical applications of metallic elements and alloys based on their physical and chemical properties. In Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry, you must state a use and link it to a specific property — low density, conductivity, strength or corrosion resistance. Alloy questions require naming the main metals in the mixture and explaining the improved property.

Read the full notes on Tutopiya’s Uses Of Metals subtopic page before attempting questions.

The core metals and uses you must master

Metal / alloy	Key property	Typical use	Exam link
Aluminium	Low density, resistant to corrosion	Aircraft, drink cans	Property → use explanation
Copper	High electrical conductivity, ductile	Electrical cables, plumbing	Best common conductor after silver
Iron / steel	Strong, inexpensive	Buildings, bridges, cars	May rust — needs painting or alloying
Stainless steel	Corrosion resistant	Kitchen equipment, surgery	Chromium forms protective layer
Brass	Hard, workable	Instruments, door fittings	Alloy of copper and zinc

How to answer uses-of-metals questions — step by step

1. Name the metal or alloy in the question.
2. State the relevant property — not a generic list unless asked.
3. Link property to use — “because it is low density, aluminium is used in aircraft”.
4. For alloys, name the metals mixed and the improved property.
5. Avoid unrelated properties — do not cite conductivity for aluminium aircraft answers.

Test yourself with the free Uses Of Metals quiz.

Pure metal vs alloy: which does the question want?

Situation	What to write	Typical signal words
Aircraft / lightweight	Aluminium — low density	”why aluminium is used in aircraft”
Wiring	Copper — conductivity + ductility	”electrical cables”
Corrosion resistance	Stainless steel or aluminium oxide layer	”does not rust”, “kitchen equipment”
Hardness / wear	Brass or steel alloys	”musical instrument”, “harder than pure copper”

Uses of metals in past-paper wording: command words that matter

Command word / phrase	What the question wants	Typical uses stem
Explain	Use linked to named property	”Explain why copper is used for electrical wiring.”
State	Named use or alloy composition	”State a use of aluminium.”
Suggest	Choose metal for a purpose	”Suggest a metal for overhead power cables.”
Give	Alloy components	”Give the names of the metals in brass.”

Worked exam-style stems (how to answer the wording)

1. “Explain why aluminium is used to make aircraft bodies.” Aluminium has a low density (lightweight, reducing fuel use) and forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion. Reward: low density + corrosion resistance linked to aircraft.
2. “Explain why copper is used for electrical wiring.” Copper is an excellent electrical conductor and is ductile — it can be drawn into thin wires without breaking. Reward: conductivity + ductility.
3. “Name the metals in stainless steel and explain one advantage over iron.” Iron, chromium (and often nickel); resists corrosion/rust because chromium forms a protective oxide layer. Reward: composition + corrosion advantage.

When you can recognise the wording instantly, work through the Uses Of Metals quiz and Properties Of Metals.

How uses of metals connect to the rest of the course

Uses link to Properties Of Metals, Extraction Of Metals and Transition Elements (catalysts). The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry resource hub links all units.

Common mistakes students make

• Stating a use without linking to a property — “explain” questions need both.
• Saying aluminium is used in wiring because it conducts — syllabus emphasis is low density for aircraft/cans; copper is preferred for wiring.
• Calling stainless steel a compound — it is an alloy (mixture).
• Forgetting brass = copper + zinc.
• Listing iron rusts without explaining how stainless steel or galvanising solves the problem.

When you need more support

If property-to-use explanations keep scoring half marks, work through the Uses Of Metals quiz, then get focused help from a Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry tutor.

Frequently asked questions

Why is aluminium used in aircraft but copper in wires? Aluminium’s low density reduces weight; copper’s superior conductivity and ductility suit electrical cables.

What is the difference between steel and stainless steel? Steel is mainly iron with carbon; stainless steel adds chromium (and often nickel) for corrosion resistance.

Do I need to know every alloy for IGCSE? Focus on stainless steel and brass — composition and one property advantage for each.

How do I revise uses of metals effectively? Make a property-use table for Al, Cu, Fe and two alloys, then take the Uses Of Metals quiz.

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