Look around you! In every direction, you’ll find objects that rely on metal to exist. Can you imagine a world without this durable and shiny material?

Even the human body depends on metals. Cobalt is used to produce red blood cells, while zinc supports the immune system. However, excessive levels of copper and mercury can cause serious health issues. Even our bones need calcium, a type of metal!

Clearly, metals play a crucial role in maintaining our health. Additionally, metals are utilized to construct objects that shape our world. But where do all these metals come from?

Some metals are naturally found in the Earth’s crust. Cobalt, iron, and nickel are common occurrences in nature, as are gold, zinc, tin, copper, and many others. However, it is rare to find large quantities of metals separate from other materials. More often than not, metals found in nature are combined with rocks and minerals.

When metals are combined with rocks and minerals, they form what is known as ore. Before metals can be used, they must be extracted from the ore. This process is called smelting, which involves heating the metal past its melting point. Once melted, the metal can be filtered to remove any impurities or unwanted materials.

Metals found in nature are generally brittle and susceptible to rust and corrosion. To create stronger and more durable materials, metals are often mixed with other substances. The resulting combination is known as a metal alloy.

Can you think of any metal alloys? One of the most well-known metal alloys is steel, which is made by combining iron and carbon. Stainless steel, often used to make eating utensils, is a mixture of iron, carbon, chromium, and molybdenum.

Have you ever seen jewelry made of rose gold? That’s an alloy made of gold and copper. How about a cast-iron skillet? Cast iron is another alloy, consisting of iron and carbon. Another commonly used alloy is bronze, which is made from copper and tin.

Take a moment to think about the items you use every day. How many of them contain metals? And how many contain metal alloys? If you ride a bus or any other vehicle to school, it’s likely made of steel. The chairs in your classroom may contain iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. If you use any digital technology, it probably contains gold, silver, copper, or platinum. Once you start paying attention to the metals around you, it’s hard to ignore them!

Try It Out

Are you eager to continue learning? Ask a friend or family member to assist you with these activities.

Exploring Metals in Everyday Life

Take a moment to think about the various items you use on a daily basis. How many of these items are made from metals or other mined materials? Were there any surprising items on your list? Discuss your findings with a friend or family member.

Now, have you ever wondered if there could be metal objects hidden in your own backyard or local park? Well, there’s a fun way to find out! With the help of a friend or family member, you can make your own metal detector. Don’t forget to check the supply list before you start. Once your metal detector is ready, put it to the test and see what treasures you might uncover!

Now, let’s take a closer look at the room you are currently in, whether it’s in your home or school. Take a moment to observe your surroundings. Can you spot any objects made of metal? Make a list of these items. Once you have your list, choose one item to focus on. Write a detailed description of the chosen item. What does it look like? What type of metal do you think it’s made of? Is it a natural metal or a metal alloy? How does it feel to touch? Is it sturdy or fragile? Try to provide as much detail as possible.

Wonder Sources

• https://www.livescience.com/18247-metals-human-body-health-nigms.html (accessed 13 Nov. 2019)
• https://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/blog/where-do-metals-come-from/ (accessed 13 Nov. 2019)
• https://www.visualcapitalist.com/20-common-metal-alloys/ (accessed 13 Nov. 2019)
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/introchem/chapter/occurrence-of-metals/ (accessed 13 Nov. 2019)
• https://www.britannica.com/technology/smelting (accessed 14 Nov. 2019)

FAQ

1. What are metals and where do they come from?

Metals are a group of elements characterized by their high electrical conductivity and malleability. They are typically found in the Earth’s crust and are extracted through mining. The most abundant metal on Earth is aluminum, followed by iron, calcium, and sodium. Metals can also be found in asteroids, meteorites, and deep-sea vents.

2. How are metals formed?

Metals are formed through various processes in the Earth’s crust. One common method is through volcanic activity, where molten rock called magma cools and solidifies, forming mineral deposits rich in metals. Another process is called hydrothermal deposition, where hot water carrying dissolved metals flows through cracks in rocks and deposits the metals as the water cools. Additionally, metals can be formed through sedimentary processes, such as when minerals are weathered and transported by water, ultimately accumulating in layers.

3. How are metals extracted from the Earth?

Metals are typically extracted through mining, which involves the removal of ore from the Earth’s crust. The ore is then processed to separate the desired metal from the other elements and impurities. This can be done through various methods, such as crushing and grinding the ore into smaller particles, followed by chemical or physical processes to separate the metal. Common extraction techniques include smelting, leaching, and electrolysis.

4. Are there any environmentally-friendly ways to extract metals?

Efforts are being made to develop environmentally-friendly methods for metal extraction. One such method is bioleaching, which uses microorganisms to extract metals from ores. This reduces the need for harsh chemicals and minimizes the environmental impact. Additionally, recycling metals from products and waste materials is an important way to reduce the need for new metal extraction. Recycling not only conserves natural resources but also saves energy and reduces pollution associated with mining and processing.

5. What are some common uses of metals?

Metals have countless uses in various industries and everyday life. Some common uses include construction materials (steel, aluminum), electrical wiring (copper), transportation (automobiles, airplanes), packaging (tin cans), and electronics (computer chips, batteries). Metals also play a vital role in medical applications, such as the use of titanium in dental implants and stainless steel in surgical instruments. Their high strength, conductivity, and durability make metals indispensable in many aspects of modern society.