School of Sciences and Engineering

Spring 2019 - Scientific Thinking (SCI1020/12)

Bonus Paper -The importance of iron

Submitted to:

Professor Ahmed Abdellatif

Submitted by:

Natalie Ayman

Farah Tarazi

The vitality of iron

 Have you ever thought about the importance of Iron in our lives? Iron plays a huge role

in our lives. This kind of metal is considered one of the strong metals compared to other

materials such as: Copper and Wood, and less brittle and malleable which allows it to be easily

formed various shapes when heated. Iron is easily found because 5 percent of the Earth’s crust

consists of iron and there is 70 percent present in ores which is easily extracted through mining.

There is no need to be worried or anxious from lack of iron.

One of the very unique features of iron is that it can be magnetized which allows us to

make electronics and motors. Since it has this characteristic, it is used in compasses; a compass

is a device used to determine direction on the surface of the earth. The needle of the compass

must be metallic and magnetized substance to create magnetic field around the object itself. The

most used substance for the compass needle is steel, which is mostly made of iron and small

amount of carbon.

Not only is it used in compasses, but it is also a main component in the production of

steel which helps us in buildings and transportations. It is also used in machines and other

essentials including domestic needs. On the other hand, iron has one real disadvantage which is

the problem of rusting. This issue can be reduced by multiple methods such as painting, plating

and galvanizing. However, according to Geoscience Australia, people still use iron about 20

times more than any other alloys.

References:-

https://www.ironmap.com/the-importance-of-iron-in-our-daily-life/
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Compass.html

https://www.riotinto.com/ourcommitment/spotlight-18130_19177.aspx