Test: Important Facts About Some Metals - UPSC MCQ

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, making up about 8% of it. It is widely used in various industries due to its low density, corrosion resistance, and good electrical conductivity.

Lithium is often referred to as the "metal of the future" because of its use in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. It has the highest electrochemical potential of all metals, making it ideal for energy storage applications.

Silver is the best conductor of electricity among common metals. It has the highest electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, which makes it valuable in electrical and electronic applications.

Aluminum is commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its lightweight nature and high strength-to-weight ratio. It helps reduce the overall weight of the structures while maintaining durability.

Mercury is used in thermometers because it has a low melting point of -38.83°C (-37.89°F). This allows it to expand and contract easily with temperature changes, making it suitable for measuring temperature accurately.

Aluminum is a good reflector of light and is commonly used in mirrors. Its high reflectivity and low cost make it an ideal choice for this application.

Tin is alloyed with copper to make bronze, an alloy widely used in statues, sculptures, and musical instruments. Bronze is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and beautiful golden color.

Iron is believed to be the main metal present in the Earth's core, along with nickel. This is based on studies of seismic waves and the Earth's magnetic field.

Chromium is added to iron to make stainless steel. It enhances the corrosion resistance and durability of the steel, making it suitable for applications where strength and resistance to oxidation are important.

Tungsten is used to make filaments in incandescent light bulbs because of its high melting point and ability to withstand high temperatures. It can maintain its structural integrity even at very high temperatures, allowing the bulb to emit bright light.

Platinum is used as a catalyst in catalytic converters to reduce emissions from vehicles. It helps convert harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons, into less harmful substances.

Chromium is added to iron to make stainless steel. It forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, preventing rusting and enhancing the steel's corrosion resistance.

Zinc is commonly used as a coating for steel through a process called galvanization. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial layer, protecting the underlying steel from corrosion.

Lithium is a key component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, long cycle life, and lightweight properties, making them suitable for electric vehicle applications.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, with the proportions of each metal varying to create different types of brass. The typical composition is 66% copper and 34% zinc, but the ratio can range from 55% to 95% copper and 5% to 45% zinc.

Aluminum is widely used in the construction of aircraft due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. It provides structural integrity while keeping the weight of the aircraft relatively low.

Copper is commonly used as a conductor in electrical wires due to its excellent electrical conductivity. It allows the efficient flow of electric current with minimal resistance.

Zinc is used to galvanize iron, forming a protective layer that prevents rusting. The zinc coating acts as a barrier, shielding the iron from exposure to moisture and oxygen.

Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. It is a dense, silvery-white metal with a low boiling point, making it unique among the elements.

Silver is used in the production of coins in many countries. It has been used as a medium of exchange and store of value for centuries due to its rarity, durability, and intrinsic value.