Alfred Ajibola
- 18th May, 2026 @ 03:25 PM
Topics in Basic Science
Classifications of Drugs, Sources of Drugs and Drug Abuse Teeth, Structure of the Tooth, Dentition and Dental Care Balanced Diet, Classes of Food and their Importance Classes of Food, their Composition and Functions Nutrition: Types and Class of Food Cleanliness of parts of the body Family Health and Personal Cleanliness Behaviors and Feelings during Adolescence Pubertal changes in Boys and Girls Classification and Uses of Rubber Characteristics, Classification and Uses of Plastics Cement: Composition, Types and Uses of Cement Types, Properties and Uses of Ceramics Properties and Uses of Nonmetals Safety Devices: Examples and Uses of Safety Devices Accident Prevention Techniques and Safety Rules Safety Precautions for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Technology: Benefits of Technology Alloys: Types, Composition and Uses of Alloys Ferrous and Non-Ferrous MetalsAcademic Questions in Basic Science
Which of the following diseases is associated with river blindness?
A. Anthrax
B. Lawnmower Disease
C. Onchocerciasis
D. Devil's Crunch
E. Trypanosomiasis
F. Tularemia
The vector for yellow fever is _____.
A. Aedes Mosquito
B. Female Anopheles Mosquito
C. Plasmodium
D. Flavivirus
E. Black Fly
F. Bacillus Anthracis
The bones of the head and face make up the skull. These bones are _____ in number.
A. 12
B. 14
C. 16
D. 18
E. 20
F. 22
Bacteria are not a constituent of our environment.
A. True
B. False
Below are types of drugs. Which of these is considered as pain killers?
A. Stimulants
B. Depressants
C. Opiods and Morphine Derivatives
D. Hallucinogens
E. Anabolic Steroids
F. Cannabinoids
Which of the following statement is false concerning drugs?
A. Drugs can be inhaled
B. Drugs can be injected directly into the bloodstream
C. Drugs can be eaten
D. Drugs exist exclusively in the forms of tablets and syrups
E. Drugs can be placed under the tongue
F. Drugs can be taken with water or another liquid
Vaccination involves a process of introducing pathogens or germs into a person in order to prevent such person from the diseases they cause.
A. True
B. False
With regards to the human health, foreign bodies are best regarded as _____.
A. International bodies
B. Antilators
C. Antibodies
D. Antigens
E. Antibiotics
F. Antidotes
Metals are primarily classified into two categories. These are: ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous metals refer to metals that contain iron as a major part their constituent. Simply put, they are iron-based alloys characterized by their magnetism, durability and structural integrity (high tensile strength). Examples of ferrous metals include carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, pig iron, and wrought iron.
Except for stainless steel, most ferrous metals are capable of rusting as a result of oxidation.
Note: Ferrous metals are widely used manufacturing and construction. In fact, about 90% of global metal production are made from ferrous metals.
An understanding on the characteristics (or properties) of ferrous metals is crucial. Below are the characteristics of ferrous metals.
Please read on the general characteristics of metals here.
Characteristics of Ferrous Metals
They always contain over 50% of iron as their constituent.
The have structural integrity and high tensile strength, making them ideal for various construction purposes. For example, railway construction, road constructions, high-rise buildings, etc.
They are often susceptible to corrosion when exposed to water and oxygen. Stainless steel is an exception .
They are generally magnetic. This makes them suitable for motor and electrical applications.
They are often silver-like in color.
They can be recycled.
You can read on the states of matter here.
Ferrous Metals, Constituents and Uses
Carbon Steel: It contains iron (98 to over 99%) and carbon (less than 2%). Other elements present in trace amount include manganese, silicon, phosphorus and sulphur. It is used in various types of construction, and as parts of automobiles.
Stainless Steel: It contains iron (50% to 75%), chromium 10.5% to 30%), nickel (0 to 35%), carbon (0.03% to 1.2%) and molybdenum (0 to 7%). The chromium and nickel are essential for corrosion resistance in stainless steel. They are typically used in culinary tools, kitchen appliances, medical instruments, metal pipes and exhaust in automobiles.
Cast Iron: It contains iron (90% to 95%), carbon (2% to 4%), silicon (1% to 3%), manganese (0.2% to 1%), alongside phosphorus and sulphur. It is often used in cookware and manufacture of durable metallic parts like engine blocks, pipes, and large machines.
Wrought Iron: It contains about 99% to 99.8% iron, with minimal carbon and silicon. It is resistant to fatigue, and typically used in the construction of gates, fences, and hand forged appliances.
Pig Iron: It contains iron (92%), carbon (3.5% - 4.5%), and impurities like silicon (0.5% - 3.5%), manganese (0.4 - 1.5%), phosphorus (0.03% - 0.15%), and sulphur (0.01 - 0.05%). Pig iron is brittle (as a result of its impurities), and thus, rarely used in its raw form. It is re-melted and refined to produce durable components, including automotive parts, pipes, and machinery castings
Alloy Steels: It contains iron, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese and vanadium. It is applied in the automobile industry for building engine parts and gears.
You can read on cell in basic science here.
Non-ferrous metals refers to all metals, including alloys that do not contain significant amounts of iron as its constituent. They also include all metallic elements that are not iron. Since these metals lack iron as part of their constituent, they become generally non-magnetic and highly resistant to rusting (or corrosion).
Nonferrous metals are used in the manufacture of low weight materials that requires high conductivity and ductility. They are also more appealing and aesthetic than ferrous metals. Examples of non-ferrous metals include gold, silver, sodium, calcium, copper, aluminum, zinc, lead, brass, bronze and so on.
You can read on the technology and its benefits here.
Below are characteristics of non-ferrous metals:
Characteristics of Non-ferrous Metals
They do not contain iron, thus giving each non-ferrous metals their distinct properties.
They are generally nonmagnetic.
They are corrosion resistant; that is: they don't rust.
The are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. In fact, most kitchen utensils are made from non-ferrous metals. Also, conductors used in electrical appliances, e.g copper are silver are non-ferrous metals.
They have lower weight than nonmetals, making them more malleable.
Please read on periodic table and classification of elements here.
Uses of Non-Ferrous Metals
Aluminum is used in aircraft, automotive components, and food packaging as a result of its lightweight. It is also used in manufacturing various cooking utensils.
Copper and silver are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. Copper is used in wiring and coils while aluminum is used in high tension power conduction.
Zinc is used to coat (or galvanize) steel to prevent corrosion.
Lead is a heavy non-ferrous metals used in batteries and radiation shielding.
Gold, platinum and silver are precious metals used in making jeweleries and certain components of electronics.
The alloy brass is derived from copper and zinc. It is widely used for its resistance to corrosion, electrical conductivity, and aesthetic gold-like appearance.
The alloy bronze is derived from copper and tin. It is widely used for its resistance to corrosion, electrical conductivity, and aesthetic gold-like appearance (in coating instruments and jeweleries).
You can read on safety precautions here.
The table below shows the differences between ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.
| Ferrous Metals | Non-Ferrous Metals |
| They contain iron as a major part of their constituent | They do not contain iron |
| They are magnetic | They are not magnetic |
| They usually undergo corrosion (rusting) as a result of their iron content | They do not typically undergo corrosion since they don't contain iron |
| They generally have more weight, and are heavier and stronger | They have lesser weight than ferrous metals, and are lighter |
| They are less malleable | They are more malleable |
| The can serve as conductors of heat and electricity | They are significantly better conductors of heat and electricity than ferrous metals |
| They are often less expensive | They are often more expensive |
| Examples of ferrous metals include cast iron and wrought iron. | Examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminum and silver |
Please read the continuation of this topic (alloys) here.
Please read Len Academy scheme of work for jss1 first term here.
Kindly share this article via the links below:
Please click here to contact Alfred if you require any of the following services:
If you need a standard website at an affordable price.
Online training on the academic subjects: biology, chemistry and basic science.
If you require an advanced smart school management system (web application) for your school.
Click here to read on Len Academy Smart School Software.
Please click here to follow Len Academy on Google News.
Amazing facts in Basic Science
According to scientific research, if the first tear drop comes from the right eye, it’s tears of joy. If it comes from the left eye, then it is as a result of pain
Dentistry is the oldest profession in the world. This is considered true because a research conducted by the University of Bologna, Italy on a 14,000-year-old skull found that one rotten tooth in the jaw had been deliberately scoured and scraped with a dental tool
Scientific research has it that the human nose can distinguish more than a trillion different odors
Tigers have striped fur. So also is their skin
The most common wild bird in the world is native to Africa, and it's the red-billed quelea with a population estimated to be around 1.5 billion
Of all animals, mosquitoes hold the record of killing most humans annually. They are responsible for the deaths of 725,000 - 1,000,000 persons yearly
Antibiotics fights and kills bacteria. However, they do nothing to a virus
All insects have six legs. However, dragonfly has six legs but can't walk
The chin is defined as the protruding part of the face below the mouth, formed by the apex of the lower lip. It is shown below:
Interestingly, humans are the only animals with chin
Ripe cranberries will bounce like a ball. For this reason, they are nicknamed 'bounceberries'. They will also float in water
Notable points in Basic Science
We have six classes of food. These are:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats and Oils
Vitamins
Mineral Salts
Water
In humans, roughages are not classified as one of the classes of food. This is so because they aren't digested. Instead, roughages facilitate the movement of bowels in the large intestine (colon); and for this reason, they can become useful in treating constipation.
Food refers to anything that is ingested by living organisms, giving them nutrients and thus enabling them to stay alive.
As an instance, 99% of a panda's diet is bamboo. In this case, bamboo is considered as food to a panda since it provides a source of nutrient and keeps it alive. This is shown in the image below:
The only process in nature that actively enriches our atmosphere with oxygen is photosynthesis. Every other process like respiration, burning and combustion takes away oxygen from it. In addition, they introduce carbon(IV)oxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
Photosynthesis is also the only process that takes away carbon(IV)oxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
Photosynthesis is defined as a process by which green plants manufacture food by utilizing carbon(IV)oxide and water in the presence of sunlight.
Oxygen is given off as a by-product of photosynthesis. In regards to this, it is recommended that each person plants a tree.
Matter is composed of particles which can be:
Tightly packed together (as seen in solids).
Loosely packed together (as seen in liquids).
Completely separated (as seen in gases).
The movement of the particles of matter is a function of the overall kinetic energy present in them. You can think of kinetic energy as energy in motion.
An increase in the particles' vibrational, rotational or translational motion will imply an increase in temperature while a decrease in the particles motion (vibrational, rotational and translational) will mean a decrease in temperature. Based on this knowledge, we can therefore define temperature as the measure of the average kinetic energy possessed by the particles of matter.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a score derived from a set of standardized tests developed to measure a person's cognitive abilities in relation to their age group.
IQ may also be defined as the ratio of mental age (MA) to chronological age (CA) multiplied by 100.
Below are some formulas pertaining Intelligence Quotient:
IQ = MA x 100 ÷ CA
MA = Mental age
CA = Chronological age
IQ above 100 = Brilliance
IQ that equals 100 = Average
IQ below 100 = Below Average