Metals are used in a large number of industries. There are many types of metals in the world. They include aluminum, gold, copper, steel, silver, platinum, nickel, lead, zinc, and mercury. All these metals have various properties which make them suitable for different applications.
Some metals can withstand extreme conditions, while others can be found in any home or workplace.
The metals in our world are a key part of running our lives. You probably wouldn’t be reading this if it weren’t for the metals we use daily to run our electronics and appliances.
In this article, you will learn about the strongest metals on earth, including their properties and uses.
What Makes a Metal Strong?
There are a few factors that contribute to the strength of a metal. These include:
- Density: This is the measure of how much mass is in a given volume. A higher density means more mass in a given volume, making the metal stronger.
- Hardness: This is a measure of how resistant the metal is to scratching, denting, and other forms of damage. A harder metal will be more resistant to damage.
- Young’s modulus: This is a measure of the metal’s stiffness. A higher Young’s modulus means the metal is less likely to deform under stress.
- Melting point: This is the temperature at which the metal will melt. A higher melting point means the metal can withstand higher temperatures before melting.
1. Tungsten
Tungsten is considered one of the strongest metals in the world. It has a very high melting point and is highly resistant to heat and wear. This makes it an ideal material for many industrial and military applications. It is also used in the manufacture of light bulbs and electronic components.
Properties of Tungsten:
- High melting point: 3410°C
- Density: 19.3 g/cm³
- Hardness: 8.5 Mohs
2. Chromium
Chromium is a strong, lustrous, and corrosion-resistant metal. It is widely used in the manufacture of stainless steel and in plating and other surface treatments. It is also used in the production of cast iron and superalloys.
Properties of Chromium:
- High melting point: 1907°C
- Density: 7.19 g/cm³
- Hardness: 8 Mohs
3. Titanium
Titanium is another strong metal that is widely used in various industries. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for aerospace and military applications. It is also used in the medical field for implants and other devices.
Properties of Titanium:
- Melting point: 1668°C
- Density: 4.506 g/cm³
- Hardness: 6 Mohs
4. Steel
Steel is a popular metal used in a wide range of applications. It is an alloy of iron and carbon, which gives it its strength and durability. There are different types of steel, each with its own set of properties.
Properties of Steel:
- Density: 7.85 g/cm³
- Hardness: Varies depending on the type of steel
5. Aluminum
Aluminum is a soft metal that is widely used in various industries. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and for its corrosion resistance. It is also used in the construction of aircraft and spacecraft.
Properties of Aluminum:
- Melting point: 660°C
- Density: 2.7 g/cm³
- Hardness: 2 Mohs
6. Nickel
Nickel is a strong metal often used in alloys such as stainless steel. It has excellent corrosion resistance and is also resistant to heat. This makes it ideal for use in the chemical industry.
Properties of Nickel
- Melting point: 1453°
- Density: 8.9 g/cm³
- Hardness: 4 Mohs
7. Copper
Copper is a popular metal that has many uses. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, ideal for electrical applications. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it a good choice for plumbing and other uses. Copper is more common than silver and gold. It is used to make wires, cables, and telephone poles. It is also used in pipes and plumbing. This metal is also used to make brass, bronze, and brass plating.
Properties of Copper:
- Melting point: 1084°C
- Density: 8.96 g/cm³
- Hardness: 3 Mohs
8. Gold
Gold is a valuable metal often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is also an excellent conductor of electricity and does not corrode. This metal is extremely popular among collectors because of its rareness and high value. Gold is used in jewelry and decorative items. It is also used to make coins, medals, and paper money.
Properties of Gold:
- Melting point: 1064°C
- Density: 19.3 g/cm³
- Hardness: 2.5 Mohs
9. Silver
Silver is another precious metal that has many uses. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, and it does not rust easily. It is also one of the most expensive metals in the world. It is more reactive than platinum and gold. Silver is most commonly found in coins and medals. It is also used to make electrical wiring and many household appliances.
Properties of Silver:
- Melting point: 961°C
- Density: 10.49 g/cm³
- Hardness: 2.5 Mohs
10. Platinum
Platinum is a valuable metal often used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. It is also used in the manufacturing of electronic components and catalytic converters. It is very expensive. It is the second most expensive metal in the world. It is mostly used in jewelry and decorative items. Platinum is more valuable than gold because it is less reactive. This makes it easier to work with, and it is harder to tarnish. Platinum is also used to make coins and medals. It’s also used to make gas-powered engines, especially for cars and airplanes.
Properties of Platinum:
- Melting point: 1768°C
- Density: 21.45 g/cm³
- Hardness: 4 Mohs
Some other Metals that are considered as Strongest Include:
Magnesium Alloys
Magnesium is a lightweight metal that is often used in the aerospace industry. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion.
Properties of Magnesium
- Melting point: 650°C
- Density: 1.74 g/cm³
- Hardness: 2 Mohs
Iron
Iron is a strong and versatile metal that has been used for centuries. It is most commonly used in the form of steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon. Steel is widely used in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Usually, steel makes structural materials such as beams, girders, rebar, steel, and ductile iron pipe. Iron is also used to make railroad tracks.
Properties of Iron:
- High melting point: 1538°C
- Density: 7.87 g/cm³
- Hardness: 4 Mohs
Inconel
Inconel is a superalloy, which means it is composed of multiple different metals for added strength and resistance to heat and corrosion. It is often used in high-temperature applications such as jet engines and rocket motors.
Properties of Inconel:
- Melting point: 1350°C
- Density: 8.4 g/cm³
- Hardness: 7 Mohs
- Young’s modulus: 193 GPa
Palladium
Palladium is a valuable metal often used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. It is also used in the manufacturing of electronic components and catalytic converters.
The Rise of Metal Usage
The strength of the different metals used to make these amazing creations varies widely. Some of these metals are naturally strong, but thanks to advancements in technology, others are made stronger by special processes that add weight to the metal. A few of these metals are so strong that they’ve been used to forge entire airplanes, ships, and tanks.
As you can see, there are a variety of metals that are considered to be the strongest in the world. Each metal has unique properties that make it ideal for certain applications. With the continued advancement of technology, we will likely see even more uses for these strong metals in the future.
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