Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

What does the term 'ferrous metals' refer to in the context of scrap materials?

1. Metals that contain iron

2. Metals that do not conduct electricity

3. Metals that are recyclable

4. All metals except aluminum

The correct answer is: Metals that contain iron

The term 'ferrous metals' specifically refers to metals that contain iron. This definition is essential when discussing scrap materials because ferrous metals are known for their magnetic properties and strength, making them distinct from non-ferrous metals. In the recycling context, understanding which metals are ferrous helps in the sorting and processing of scrap materials, as ferrous metals generally respond to magnetic separation. Other choices do not accurately describe ferrous metals. For instance, while many ferrous metals are recyclable, the definition of ferrous specifically ties them to the presence of iron rather than their recyclability. Additionally, the statement that non-ferrous metals do not conduct electricity is misleading, as many non-ferrous metals do possess conductive properties. Finally, the classification of all metals except aluminum is not correct either, as there are numerous non-ferrous metals beyond just aluminum. Thus, the most accurate choice is that ferrous metals contain iron.