Top Real-Life Uses Of Metals And Non-Metals You Didn't Know

Daily Life Uses of Metals and Non-Metals You Should Know

Understand their hidden value in everyday life through a practical lens

Why do we even need to learn this?

Have you ever sat through a chapter on metals and non-metals and thought, “Okay, iron is used in construction, oxygen is for breathing. Got it. But why does this even matter?”

You're not alone.

Many students struggle with this exact thought—especially when textbooks give the same predictable examples over and over. “Iron in bridges”, “copper in wires”, “oxygen in respiration”—sure, those are important, but they feel…obvious.

And because it feels so obvious, students often skim through the chapter thinking they’ve already understood everything. But here’s the truth: there’s a lot more to metals and non-metals than what meets the eye. They’re part of invisible systems running our lives—from your mobile phone to medicines, from water purification to environmental safety.

Why ignoring this leads to academic and real-life struggles

Now here’s where the problem gets bigger.
When students ignore the real-life applications of metals and non-metals:

• They lose interest in chemistry, assuming it’s just about memorizing properties and equations.
• They struggle with higher-level science in Class 11 and 12, where real-world applications are often used in questions.
• They miss connections in other subjects like biology (e.g. haemoglobin’s iron), geography (e.g. mineral resources), or even economics (e.g. industrial uses of rare earth metals).
• In practical life, they may not understand important concepts like how water gets cleaned, how your devices function, or how materials around you are chosen.

Let’s flip that. When you do understand the deeper uses of metals and non-metals, chemistry becomes more intuitive—and even exciting. You start seeing it all around you.

So how do you get there?

A step-by-step guide with hidden uses, examples, and cases

Let’s go beyond the textbook. Below is a structured breakdown of real-life uses of metals and non-metals that most students don't know—but definitely should.

1. Titanium in Medical Implants and Aerospace

What’s the use?
Titanium is a metal used in surgical implants, artificial joints, and even dental screws. It’s also a top choice in aerospace for aircraft bodies and engines.
Why is it used?

• Lightweight but strong – Ideal for both human body parts and high-speed aircraft.
• Non-reactive – Doesn’t corrode inside the body or in the atmosphere.
• Biocompatible – The body doesn’t reject it.

Case Study:
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research shows titanium implants can last 20+ years without needing replacement, reducing surgery risks.
Teaching Tip:
Ask students—“Would you want a metal that rusts inside your body? Why is strength important in aircraft?”

2. Graphite in Nuclear Reactors (Yes, a Non-Metal)

What’s the use?
Graphite (a form of carbon) is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors to slow down neutrons.
Why is it used?

• High melting point – Won’t easily vaporize.
• Good conductor – Helps manage heat.
• Stable structure – Does not react under extreme radiation.

Case Study:
In the UK’s Magnox reactors, graphite was a key component. While these reactors are being phased out, the study of graphite’s durability under radiation still informs nuclear safety design today.
Real-Life Connection:
Link it with current energy debates—“If India builds more nuclear plants, what materials do we need to make them safe?”

3. Zinc: Not Just Galvanization, But in Sunscreen Too!

What’s the use?
Zinc oxide, a compound of zinc (a metal), is used in sunscreens and baby powders.
Why?

• Blocks harmful UV rays – Acts as a physical barrier.
• Non-toxic and skin-friendly – Doesn’t irritate the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory – Helps with rashes.

Scientific Note:
According to the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, zinc oxide-based sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection without causing allergic reactions.
Surprise Factor:
Ask students to check the back of their sunscreen tube. They’ll likely see “Zinc Oxide” right there.

4. Phosphorus in Safety Matches and Fertilizers

What’s the use?
Phosphorus (a non-metal) is used in:

• Red phosphorus – found on the side of matchboxes.
• White phosphorus – military use (though dangerous).
• Phosphates – used in fertilizers.

Why?

• Highly reactive – Makes ignition possible in matches.
• Nutrient-rich – Plants need phosphorus for root and flower growth.

Data:
India imports over 2 million tonnes of phosphate rock annually for fertilizer production (Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India).
Everyday Link:
Ask—“How would food production change without phosphorus?” It connects chemistry to food security.

5. Silicon: The Backbone of Electronics

What’s the use?
Silicon is a metalloid (has properties of both metals and non-metals), and it’s the foundation of semiconductors in every digital device—your phone, laptop, TV, calculator.
Why?

• Conducts electricity moderately – Perfect for controlled circuits.
• Abundant – Second most common element in Earth’s crust.
• Easily purified – Critical for microchip design.

 Case Study:

The Silicon Valley in California got its name due to the high use of silicon in early electronics industries.
Reality Check:
Without silicon, modern computing wouldn't exist. Ask students—“What happens if you remove silicon from your phone?”

6. Copper in Antimicrobial Surfaces

What’s the use?
Copper is now used in hospital door handles, railings, and bed frames to reduce infections.
Why?

• Kills bacteria on contact—within 2 hours.
• Reduces hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Research Insight:
A 2020 study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found copper surfaces reduced bacterial load by 83% compared to standard plastic or stainless steel.
Health Link:
During COVID-19, interest in copper-based surfaces surged. It’s a passive infection control tool.

7. Chlorine in Water Purification (a Non-Metal)

What’s the use?
Chlorine, a non-metal, is used to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools.
Why?

• Kills bacteria and viruses.
• Cheap and effective.

Case Study:
The chlorination of London’s water supply in the early 1900s drastically reduced typhoid and cholera outbreaks. Similar practices now save millions of lives worldwide.
Local Angle:
Ask—“What do you think keeps your water clean?” Likely chlorine, even if you never notice it.

8. Aluminium in Packaging, Construction & Space

What’s the use?
Aluminium is used in:

• Food packaging (foil)
• Drink cans
• Aircraft frames
• Window frames and doors

Why?

• Non-corrosive
• Malleable and light
• Recyclable – over 75% of all aluminium ever made is still in use!

Fun Fact:
Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours (Source: International Aluminium Institute).

9. Sulphur in Medicine and Industry

What’s the use?
Sulphur (a non-metal) is used in:

• Medicinal creams for skin infections.
• Sulphuric acid – a key industrial chemical.
• Rubber vulcanization – improves flexibility.

Why?

• Anti-bacterial properties.
• Essential in industrial processes.

Industry Data:
Sulphuric acid is called the “king of chemicals” because it’s used in the production of detergents, fertilizers, batteries, and more.

10. Gold in Dentistry and Electronics

What’s the use?
Gold is not just for jewellery—it’s used in:

• Dental fillings and crowns
• Electronic circuits
• Satellite components

Why?

• Doesn’t corrode
• Highly conductive
• Biocompatible

Dental Link:
Gold crowns don’t react with saliva and can last 20+ years, especially for back teeth where force is high.

What Should You Take Away?

Let’s break it down:

Why It Matters

By exploring these real-life applications:

• You deepen your understanding of chemical properties.
• You’ll perform better in conceptual questions during exams.
• You’ll be able to connect chemistry with health, tech, and environment.
• You may even find inspiration for career fields—like material science, engineering, or medical tech.

Try This Exercise

Pick any 2 elements—one metal and one non-metal—from your textbook.
Search for an unusual or modern use of each (something not in your school notes).
Then explain why that use works, based on the element’s properties.
Bring it to your next class discussion—it’s a small step towards becoming a curious scientist.

For better practice, download the worksheet with questions and answers based on this post by clicking the button below.

Download Worksheet