Which metal is non-ferrous, ductile, malleable, red-brown in colour and a good electrical conductor used for plumbing pipes and electrical fittings?

• A. Copper
• B. Brass
• C. Aluminium
• D. Cast iron

Answer: (A)

Copper matches all the clues because it is non-ferrous (contains no iron), very ductile (can be drawn into wires) and malleable (can be hammered into shapes), and its natural color is red-brown. It is also one of the best electrical conductors, which is why it’s used for electrical fittings. For plumbing, copper pipes resist corrosion and are easy to join. The other metals don’t fit as well: brass is copper-based but tends to be more yellowish and isn’t as good a conductor; aluminium is silvery and, while conductive, isn’t red-brown and is used differently; cast iron contains iron and is not ductile or malleable like copper.