Give reasons why copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy of iron).

 

Answer

We know that Iron is a reactive metal . Its alloy, steel , is also relatively reactive . Copper, on the other hand, lies low on the reactivity series .

Hence, 

  • Steel would react with hot water to form iron oxide and hydrogen gas.
  • Iron is more prone to rusting than Copper. 
  • Copper is a better conductor of heat than steel , hence it’s more suitable for making hot water tanks.

Copper is used to make hot water tanks - Teachoo.png

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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo