Magnetism, electrical and thermal conductivity of metals

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the electrical and thermal conductivity of various metals, specifically questioning the conductivity ratings of cast iron and 304 stainless steel. Participants suggest that cast iron has poor electrical conductivity, while opinions on the thermal conductivity of stainless steel vary between poor and good. The conversation also explores the magnetic properties of ferrous metals, with a consensus that mild steel and cast iron are magnetic, while the magnetic nature of stainless steel and other alloys is debated. It is noted that most ferrous metals are ferromagnetic and thus attracted to magnets. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for practical testing and verification of these properties.
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1. I would like to test myself on how well I know my information about certain metals, some of them get me a bit puzzled.

How would you rate the electrical conductivity of cast iron?
Poor, good, excellent or best?

Also the thermal conductivity of 304 stainless steel?
Poor, good, excellent or best?

I know that most ferrous metals are magnetic, right? The metals and alloys, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, alpha brass, mild steel, copper, phosphor bronze, tool steel, HSLA steel, zinc, lead, magnesium. Which ones would you expect to be attracted to a magnet?


3. -I think the first one is poor, and the second one is either poor or good?

-My thought is mild steel and cast iron, any that I missed?
 
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"Poor, good, excellent or best" depends on the scale. Compared to wood, for example, all (?) metals are excellent electric conductors. I would not describe cast iron as "poor" conductor. The same goes for the steel: touch it, if it feels cold it is certainly not a poor thermal conductor.

-My thought is mild steel and cast iron, any that I missed?
What about all the other ferrous metals in the list?
 
So the ferrous metals I think are Stainless steel, cast iron, mild steel, tool steel and HSLA steel. Are these all attracted to a magnet?
 
What do you think?

(Stainless steel and steel tools should be easy to get for a test, by the way).
 
I would think that mild steel and cast iron would be, possibly tool steel? And the rest I don't think they do. Unfortunately I don't have any magnets.
 
Nearly everything based on iron is ferromagnetic and is therefore attracted by a magnet, and steel is based on iron.
And in doubt, check the internet.
 
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