What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, and what are their properties and uses?
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys: the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, what an alloy is, common examples, their physical and working properties such as conductivity, malleability and corrosion resistance, and typical uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys: the ferrous and non-ferrous difference, what an alloy is, examples, properties and typical uses.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
Have a quick question? Jump to the Q&A page
Jump to a section
What this dot point is asking
Eduqas C600 includes metals among the six material categories, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals is one of the six in-depth areas. You need the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, what an alloy is, common examples, their physical and working properties (conductivity, malleability, ductility, corrosion resistance), and typical uses. In the written exam this is tested by explaining the ferrous/non-ferrous difference and by justifying a metal for a product using its properties.
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
The presence of iron has two big consequences: ferrous metals rust (corrode in moist air) unless protected, and they are usually magnetic. Non-ferrous metals do not rust (though some, like copper, tarnish or corrode in other ways) and are generally not magnetic.
Alloys
Most useful metals are alloys, because mixing improves on the pure metal:
- Steel = iron + carbon (stronger and harder than pure iron).
- Stainless steel = steel + chromium (resists corrosion, used for cutlery and sinks).
- Brass = copper + zinc (hard, corrosion-resistant, attractive, used for fittings and instruments).
- Bronze = copper + tin (hard, corrosion-resistant, used for bearings and sculpture).
Properties and uses
Metals share useful physical properties: they conduct heat and electricity well, have high density and melting points, and many are malleable (can be hammered into shape) and ductile (can be drawn into wire). Choose a metal by weighing strength, weight (density), conductivity, corrosion resistance, hardness and cost. Metals are highly recyclable, which is an important sustainability point because extracting metal from ore is energy-intensive.
Try this
Q1. State one property that makes copper suitable for electrical wiring. [1 mark]
- Cue. It is an excellent conductor of electricity (and ductile, so it draws into wire).
Q2. Name the two metals mixed to make brass. [1 mark]
- Cue. Copper and zinc.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas C600 20192 marksExplain the difference between a ferrous and a non-ferrous metal.Show worked answer →
A 2-mark question, one mark for the iron-content difference and one for a consequence.
A ferrous metal contains iron (for example mild steel, cast iron); a non-ferrous metal contains no iron (for example aluminium, copper, brass).
A key consequence is rust: because ferrous metals contain iron, they rust (corrode) when exposed to moisture and air unless protected, whereas non-ferrous metals do not rust (though some corrode in other ways). Ferrous metals are also usually magnetic.
Markers reward the iron distinction (contains iron versus no iron) and a consequence (ferrous rusts and is magnetic; non-ferrous does not rust). Naming examples only, without the iron point, caps the mark at one.
Eduqas C600 20214 marksExplain why aluminium is chosen for the body of a lightweight bicycle frame, referring to two properties.Show worked answer →
A 4-mark Explain wants two developed properties tied to the bicycle.
Property 1, low density (light). Aluminium has a low density, so the frame is light, which is the main requirement of a sports bicycle: a lighter frame is easier to accelerate and carry.
Property 2, corrosion resistance. Aluminium forms a protective oxide layer, so it resists corrosion without painting, staying strong and looking good when used outdoors in the rain.
Other valid points: good strength-to-weight ratio, easy to extrude into tube shapes. Markers reward two developed properties connected to the bicycle (light to ride, corrosion-resistant outdoors). Two bare property words cap the mark at two.
Related dot points
- Natural and manufactured timber: hardwoods and softwoods, manufactured (manmade) boards, the difference between hardwood and softwood, common examples, their physical and working properties, and typical uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on natural and manufactured timber: hardwoods and softwoods and manufactured boards, their properties, the hardwood and softwood difference, examples and uses.
- Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers: the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets, common examples, their physical and working properties, recyclability, and typical uses in products and packaging.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on thermoforming and thermosetting polymers: the thermoplastic and thermoset difference, examples, properties, recyclability and typical uses.
- Physical and working properties of materials and their sources: defining properties such as strength, hardness, toughness, malleability, ductility, elasticity and conductivity, the difference between physical and working properties, and the origins of the main material categories.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on the physical and working properties of materials and their sources: strength, hardness, toughness, malleability, ductility, elasticity and conductivity, and where the main materials come from.
- Selecting materials and stock forms, and costing: choosing a material to suit a product, the standard stock forms materials are supplied in (sheet, bar, rod, tube, section), and calculating material cost from price per unit, including allowing for waste.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on selecting materials and stock forms and costing: standard stock forms, how to choose a material, and a worked material-cost calculation including waste.
- Deforming and reforming processes: shaping by bending, pressing, vacuum forming and line bending (deforming), and shaping molten material by injection moulding, casting and blow moulding (reforming), with suitable processes for each material.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on deforming and reforming processes: bending, pressing, vacuum forming and line bending, and injection moulding, casting and blow moulding, with processes suited to each material.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology (C600) specification — WJEC Eduqas (2017)