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Uses Of Metal We Don’t Often Think Of

Oct 15, 16 • News

Uses Of Metal We Don’t Often Think Of

 

We all know that precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum have uses in jewelry, and more common metals are used in things like construction and in building machines. However, there may be some ways metals are used in your everyday life that you don’t even notice. Here are five ways you use metals every single day without thinking about it.

 

  1. Electronics

 

You probably know that your phone has some metal in it; the exterior might even be made of metal completely! What you may not know is that metal is what allows all of your electronics to function, phone included. Without it, there would be no computer, no television, no cellular phones, and no refrigerators.

 

Because metal is so great at conducting electricity, more common metals like lead and copper are widely used in the production of electronics. If copper did not exist, who knows how technology may have evolved?

 

  1. Medicine and Body Functionality

 

We need metals in our body, though when applicable to the body they are normally called minerals. They help our brains communicate with the rest of our bodies through the nervous system as well as help us absorb oxygen into the bloodstream.

 

Minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium are essential to our functionality, and are all technically metals! These minerals are used in a wide variety of medicines, but especially in vitamin and mineral supplements. If you ever eat a deliciously greasy burger and need to pop an antacid, remember that you owe your heartburn relief to metal.

 

  1. Farming

 

If you eat regularly, you rely on metal every single day. The agriculture business was expanded ten-fold when tools like tractors were introduced, which (surprise) are made of metals like steel and iron. The efficiency formed by these new tools is responsible for affordable food. Even small-business farmers need metal tools for moving the soil and planting seeds. These metal tools are durable and make the farming process a lot more efficient.

 

  1. The Bullion Market

 

Metals are an important factor in the economy as well. Many people choose to invest their money in metal stocks and can end up making fortunes off of it. Because of metal’s versatility, it is always in demand, giving the economy stability. It is considered one of the safer options for investors because of how much we use it in everyday life. Some countries’ economies completely depend on their metal exports!

 

  1. Lighting

 

While lighting could technically be considered an electronic because electricity has to flow through it, the role that metal plays in lighting is actually a little different. Artificial lighting is completely dependent on metal; tungsten is responsible for a light bulb’s ability to give off stable light. When the tungsten filament is heated up, it gives off light that you can use to brighten up your home, your car, and your workplace. These filaments are connected to other metals that conduct heat well enough to make the tungsten give off light. In turn, these are connected to other metals that allow electricity to flow through the light bulb.

 

Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., a leading supplier of carbon, alloy and stainless steel pipe, tube, fittings and flanges.