The density, or specific gravity, of common metals is important for understanding their properties and behavior. Knowing the density of a metal makes it possible to calculate its volume and weight, and to compare it to other materials. While density varies among different types of metals, certain families of metals tend to have similar ranges in density.
Aluminum is one of the most common metals. It has a density of 2.7 g/cm3, which is relatively low compared to other metals. Cast aluminum has a slightly higher density than aluminum in its other forms, due to the presence of other elements in the alloy. Copper has a density of 8.9 g/cm3, making it one of the densest metals available. It is often used for roofing and electrical wiring.
Another common metal is brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a density of 8.4 g/cm3. Steel is a ferrous metal, meaning it is primarily composed of iron and has a density of 7.85 g/cm3. Alloys of steel can also have different densities, depending on the amount of other elements present in the alloy.
Lead is an example of a metal with an extremely high density. It has a density of 11.4 g/cm3, making it one of the heaviest metals. Lead is often used to make bullets and battery components, due to its heavy weight and nontoxic nature. Magnesium, on the other hand, has the opposite effect with a density of only 1.7 g/cm3. It is often used to make lightweight components in aircraft, automotive parts, and medical devices.
Gold has a very high density of 19.3 g/cm3. This makes it the most dense of the precious metals and is the reason why it is so highly valued. Silver has an intermediate density of 10.6 g/cm3, which is a bit lower than gold but still more valuable than other metals.
Tin, which has a density of 7.3 g/cm3, is a very common metal that is often used to make cans, pans, and other household items. Zinc has a density of 7.14 g/cm3, making it one of the lightest metals in common use. It is often used to make roofing materials and car parts.
The density of the metal plays a significant role in the application and usefulness of it. Knowing the density of a metal can give engineers and designers valuable insight into the behavior of the metal, and the best way to use it in a given application. Some metals are more suitable for certain jobs due to their weight and density, while others may be better suited for entirely different purposes. Understanding the density of different metals can greatly expand the options and possibilities in the design and manufacturing of metal objects.