Difference Between Iron and Metal

Iron vs Metal

If some one asks about the difference between Iron and Metal, it will be hard to explain as Iron itself is a metal. So then comes the question what a metal is? Metal refers to the large group of elements found in the earth and Iron is one such element. So it becomes hard to make out a difference between Iron and Metal as the former is part of the other.

Let us first see the difference in the etymology of the the two terms. Iron has been derived from Latin Ferrum, which means ‘containing Iron’. The word Metal has been derived from Greek Metallon, which can mean element, alloy or compound. Apart from the etymological difference, it is hard to make out a difference between Iron and Metal.

Iron as said is a metal that occupies a space in the first transition elements. This metal exists in a large range of oxidation states. Of all the metals, Iron is the most common element fund in the earth. Iron is also most common metal used in everyday use. When pure, the metal Iron is soft and it is strengthened by adding impurities like carbon.

When talking of Metals, they occupy the bulk of the periodic table. In astrophysics and astronomy, Metal often refers to all elements other than Helium and Hydrogen, including non metallic substances like oxygen, neon and fluorine. Metals can also be divided into Base metal, Noble metal, Ferrous metal and Precious metal. Iron belongs to the Ferrous Metal type.

In conclusin, one cannot realy bring out a difference between the two as Iron is a part of the larger group called Metal.

Summary

1. Metal refers to the large group of elements found in the earth and Iron is one such element. So it becomes hard to make out a difference between the two.

2. Iron has been derived from Latin Ferrum, which means ‘containing Iron’. The word Metal has been derived from Greek Metallon, which can mean element, alloy or compound.

3. Iron as said is a metal that occupies a space in the first transition elements. This metal exists in a large range of oxidation states.

4. When talking of Metals, they occupy the bulk of the periodic table. In astrophysics and astronomy, Metal often refers to all elements other than Helium and Hydrogen.

5. Iron belongs to the Ferrous Metal type.

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