---
title: "Non-ferrous metals properties and uses"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:non-ferrous-metals-properties-uses"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/non-ferrous-metals-properties-uses
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Non-ferrous metals properties and uses

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 8: Metals and Alloys

- Asked in: 2074 Asoj, 2 marks
- Video: [What Are Non-Ferrous Metals? Types, Properties & Uses Explained!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlH0B4VSqwY) — Mech Lesson
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/non-ferrous-metals-properties-uses
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-8

## Question

Write down the properties and uses of non-ferrous metals.

## Short answer

Non-ferrous metals resist corrosion, are good conductors, lighter than steel, easy to form, non-magnetic. Aluminium: light, corrosion-resistant, used for windows, roofing, cladding. Copper: excellent conductor for wires and pipes. Zinc: used for galvanising. Lead: radiation shielding, flashing.

## Answer

**Non-ferrous metals** contain no (or very little) iron.

#### General properties
- Most resist corrosion (do not rust) and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Many (e.g. aluminium) are much lighter than steel, though some (copper, lead) are heavier.
- Easy to cast, work and form, and non-magnetic.
- Generally weaker and costlier than steel.

#### Common metals and uses
| Metal | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Light, corrosion resistant, ductile | Windows, doors, roofing sheets, cladding, wires |
| Copper | Excellent conductor, ductile | Wires, pipes, roofing |
| Zinc | Corrosion resistant | Galvanising, roofing sheets |
| Lead | Heavy, soft, corrosion resistant | Pipes, radiation shielding, roof flashing |
| Tin | Soft, non-toxic | Coating (tin plate), solder |
| Brass / bronze | Strong, durable alloys | Fittings, taps, ornamental items |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Non-ferrous metals are those that:
   A. Contain a high percentage of iron
   B. Contain no or very little iron
   C. Are always magnetic
   D. Are always heavier than steel
   Answer: B. Non-ferrous metals have little or no iron. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which set describes non-ferrous metals in general?
   A. Heavy, rusting, magnetic
   B. Lighter, corrosion resistant, good conductors, non-magnetic, generally weaker and costlier than steel
   C. Cheap and stronger than steel
   D. Brittle and magnetic
   Answer: B. They resist rusting and conduct well but are generally weaker and costlier than steel. (Key point: General properties)

3. Which metal-use pairing is correct?
   A. Zinc: galvanising
   B. Lead: reinforcement bars
   C. Aluminium: electromagnet cores
   D. Tin: structural columns
   Answer: A. Zinc coats steel in galvanising; lead is used for pipes and radiation shielding, tin for coatings and solder. (Key point: Metal and use)

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