USES OF METALS AND NON-METALS
Uses of some common metals and non-metals are as follows.
Metals Iron is used for making automobiles, machinery, pipes, containers, nails, etc. Gold and silver are used for making jewellery. Copper is used for making electrical wires, cooking utensils, etc. Zinc is mainly used as a protective coating for iron. Aluminium is used for making electrical cables, packaging, cooking utensils, etc.
Non-metals Hydrogen is used for the synthesis of ammonia and methyl alcohol, in welding torches, etc. Sulphur is used in the manufacture of compounds like sulphuric acid and sulphates and in the production of matches, dyes, and gunpowder. Graphite is used in pencils, in zinc-carbon batteries, and in brake linings. Phosphorus is used in the fireworks industry and for making special glasses used in sodium lamps.