what is the difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals?
Key Difference: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are two different types of metals. This categorization is based on the iron content. In case the metal contains iron, it is known as a ferrous metal, otherwise a non-ferrous metal. Ferrous word has been derived from the Latin word ferrum which means 'contains iron'.
The biggest difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal is that while ferrous scrap metal may contain iron, non-ferrous metal does not. One of the most widely-recycled scrap metals, steel, is an example of a ferrous scrap metal. Other examples of ferrous scrap metal include light & cast iron. Ferrous metals are usually much more bulky than non-ferrous metals.