Which term describes a metal that does not contain iron, often lightweight and corrosion resistant, such as aluminium or copper?

• A. Ferrous metal
• B. Thermoplastic
• C. Non-ferrous metal
• D. Design for recycling

Answer: (C)

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron, and they are typically lightweight and resistant to corrosion. This is exactly the group that includes aluminium and copper, which aligns with the description in the question. Because they lack iron, these metals are usually not magnetic and offer good corrosion resistance and often better strength-to-weight ratios than many iron‑based metals, making them ideal for lightweight, durable applications.

Ferrous metals, by contrast, contain iron and are typically heavier and more prone to rust unless protected. A thermoplastic is not a metal at all, and design for recycling is a design principle, not a metal type.