Common Metal Material Melting Points
In chemistry, the melting point of a material is the temperature at which it transitions from solid to liquid state. It is an important physical property of a material for a number of reasons, such as to determine its suitability for certain tasks and to use it in identification.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the melting points of some of the most common metal materials.
Aluminium
Aluminium has a melting point of 660.32°C (1220.58°F). This is relatively low for a metal, which explains its extensive applications in industry. It is known for its good thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, making it a metal of choice in many areas.
Copper
The melting point of copper is 1083.4°C (1981.2°F). This metal is also used in industry due to its high electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its malleable nature. Copper is necessary in a number of applications, such as electronics and plumbing.
Titanium
Titanium has a slightly higher melting point at 1668°C (3034°F). This metal is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it ideal for aircraft and space applications. It is also highly corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for applications where corrosion could be a concern.
Iron
Iron has a melting point of 1538°C (2803°F). It is the most widely-used metal in the world and is known for its strength and durability. It is also relatively inexpensive and plentiful, which means it can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Nickel
Nickel has a melting point of 1453°C (2637°F). It is a silvery-white metal that is also highly corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for applications in a marine environment. Nickel is also non-magnetic and highly ductile, which makes it suitable for a number of applications.
Cobalt
Cobalt has a melting point of 1495°C (2723°F). It is a transition metal which is known for its strong magnetic properties and its ability to retain its strength at high temperatures. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for specialized applications.
Lead
Lead has a melting point of 327.5°C (621.5°F). It is a highly malleable and ductile metal which is known for its low melting point and ease of processing. It has a variety of applications in construction and plumbing, and is also used in batteries and radiation shielding.
Steel
Steel has a melting point of 1375°C (2500°F). It is an alloy of iron, carbon, and other metals, and is known for its strength and durability. It is highly resistant to rust and is used to make a wide range of products, from kitchenware to bridges.
Gold
Gold has a melting point of 1064°C (1947°F). It is a highly precious metal used in jewelry, coins, and currency. Its malleability and ductility make it a useful material in the making of intricate and detailed items.
Silver
Silver has a melting point of 961.93°C (1763.71°F). It is a white metal that is highly reflective and is often used to make jewelry, coins, and electronics. It is also used as a catalyst in some chemical reactions due to its high conductivity.
Platinum
Platinum has a melting point of 1768.3°C (3214.14°F). It is a very rare metal and is known for its high corrosion resistance and high heat tolerance. It is an expensive metal and is used extensively in jewelry and the automotive industry.
These are just some of the most common metals and their corresponding melting points. Different metals have different properties and are used in various applications, depending on their characteristics. It is important to understand the melting point of a metal in order to be able to pick the right material for the job.