Non-ferrous metal is defined as what?

• A. Non-ferrous metal
• B. Ferrous metal
• C. Alloy metal
• D. Precious metal

Answer: (A)

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron as a major component. This simple distinction from ferrous metals, which do contain iron (and are often magnetic), is what defines them. The definition that describes a metal as not containing iron matches the concept used in metallurgy and practical applications, which is why it’s the best choice. The idea of an alloy isn’t itself a defining trait, since both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys exist. And “precious metal” refers to value, not iron content, even though some precious metals happen to be non-ferrous. So, metals like copper or aluminum fit the non-ferrous category because they lack iron.