Which statement correctly lists the three broad categories of metals?

• A. Ferrous, Non-ferrous & Alloys
• B. Ferrous, Non-metals & Alloys
• C. Ferrous, Non-ferrous & Plastics
• D. Metals, Alloys & Ceramics

Answer: (A)

Metals can be understood in three broad groups to reflect their composition and properties: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and alloys. Ferrous metals contain iron and are usually magnetic and prone to rust; steel and cast iron are common examples. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, so they don't rust in the same way and include aluminum, copper, and brass. Alloys are materials made by combining two or more elements, typically metals, to improve characteristics like strength or hardness; steel itself is an alloy of iron and carbon, while brass is copper alloyed with zinc. This makes the listed set the best choice because it captures the main metal-based categories used in design technology. The other options mix in materials that aren’t metals (non-metals, plastics, ceramics) or group metals and non-metals together, which isn’t aligned with how metals are categorized.