Check sibling questions

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.

  1. Class 10
  2. Chapter 3 Class 10 - Metals and Non-Metals

About the Author

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