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One method of classifying metals is by their content, and one common division is into ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. The term ferrous is derived from the Latin “Ferrum” which means “Containing Iron”, thus ferrous metals contain iron and non ferrous metals do not. Ferrous metals may be pure iron, like wrought iron, or they may be alloys of iron and other elements. Steel, being an alloy of iron and carbon, would therefore be a ferrous metal. Ferrous metals are often magnetic, but this property in not in and of itself sufficient to classify a metal as ferrous or non- ferrous. Austenitic stainless steel, a ferrous metal, is non- magnetic, while cobalt is magnetic but non- ferrous. Common ferrous metals include the various irons and steels. Common non- ferrous metals include aluminium, tin, copper, zinc, and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. Some precious metals such silver, gold, and platinum are also non-ferrous.

An electronic component is a basic electronic element usually packaged in a discrete form with two or more connecting leads or metallic pads. Components are intended to be connected together, usually by soldering to a printed circuit board, to create an electronic circuit with a particular function (for example an amplifier, radio, receiver or oscillator).

Peripheral is a piece of computer hardware that is added to a host computer, i.e. any hardware except the computer, in nature, as opposed to hardware that is either demanded or always required in principle. Typical examples include joysticks, USB drives, printers and scanners. Devices such as monitors and disk drivers are not considered peripherals when they are not truly optional.

Plastic is the general term for a wide range of synthetic or semi synthetic polymerization products. Plastic can be classified in many ways, but most commonly by their polymer backbone (polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate and other acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes etc.