4.4.1
Origins of Metal
Origins of Metal
Origins of Metal
The origins of metal can be traced back thousands of years. The discovery of metal played a crucial role in shaping technological progress.
![Illustrative background for Copper](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/099e9c31-2f1a-43cd-b574-e4af468e9272/pot-2943443_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Copper ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/099e9c31-2f1a-43cd-b574-e4af468e9272/pot-2943443_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Copper
Copper
- Copper was one of the first metals to be used by humans.
- Copper was discovered around 8,000 BCE.
- In 8,000 BCE, copper was used in the Middle East, Egypt, and India.
- Copper was hammered into shapes.
- Copper was smelted to produce refined copper objects.
![Illustrative background for Bronze](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2020-07/19fe58f5-91ef-4897-8e96-b2f6381fb5ff/satyr-6202f2-1024,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Bronze ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2020-07/19fe58f5-91ef-4897-8e96-b2f6381fb5ff/satyr-6202f2-1024,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Bronze
Bronze
- Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
- Bronze marked a key advancement in metalworking.
- Bronze was discovered around 3,500 BCE in different parts of the world.
- For example, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Indus Valley.
- Bronze was used for tools, weapons, and artwork during the Bronze Age.
![Illustrative background for Iron](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-08/1f5d5520-7b9d-4ff1-b95f-9bc37e2d078d/metal-711483_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Iron ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-08/1f5d5520-7b9d-4ff1-b95f-9bc37e2d078d/metal-711483_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Iron
Iron
- The discovery of iron came around 1,200 BCE.
- The exact origins of ironworking are still debated.
- Iron is believed to have emerged independently in Anatolia, the Near East, and Africa.
- Iron's abundance and strength made it a game-changer.
- This led to the Iron Age.
- This led to significant advancements in metallurgy (the study of metal).
![Illustrative background for Other metals](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/b6758f05-f0f6-4ca1-bd10-a3acdbeaab76/gold-bar-treasure-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Other metals ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/b6758f05-f0f6-4ca1-bd10-a3acdbeaab76/gold-bar-treasure-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Other metals
Other metals
- Over time, humans discovered various other metals.
- Silver was used for ornamental and currency purposes.
- Gold was highly valued for its rarity and beauty.
- Lead, tin, zinc, and mercury were utilised by ancient civilizations for different purposes.
![Illustrative background for Implications for human societies](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2022-11/4c7f9763-8997-492a-a6a3-a7798fb06ba7/jan-kopriva-LTMaAwxanGk-unsplash,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Implications for human societies ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2022-11/4c7f9763-8997-492a-a6a3-a7798fb06ba7/jan-kopriva-LTMaAwxanGk-unsplash,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Implications for human societies
Implications for human societies
- The discovery of different metals had a big impact on the way humans lived.
- The discovery of metals revolutionised:
- Tools.
- Weapons.
- Farming.
- Trade.
- Culture.
- The discovery of metals contributed to the advancement of civilisation.
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
Jump to other topics
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
![Go student ad image](/en-GB/revision-notes/_next/image?url=%2Fen-GB%2Frevision-notes%2Fimages%2Fgo-student-uk-ad.jpg&w=640&q=100)
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered