Which of the following best defines "non-ferrous metal"?

The definition of "non-ferrous metal" is accurately captured by the choice stating that it is a metal that does not contain significant amounts of iron. Non-ferrous metals are distinguished from ferrous metals, which are those that primarily contain iron. Because non-ferrous metals lack significant iron content, they tend to have different physical properties, such as resistance to corrosion, which makes them suitable for a variety of applications.

This classification is important in materials science and engineering because it influences the selection of materials for specific purposes, such as electrical conductors, which often utilize metals like copper and aluminum, both of which are non-ferrous. Additionally, non-ferrous metals are commonly used in applications where weight, corrosion resistance, and conductivity are significant factors.

While other options touch on metals that may or may not be non-ferrous, they do not define the term accurately. For instance, a metal that contains significant amounts of copper could be a non-ferrous metal, but it does not encapsulate the broader definition. Likewise, a metal primarily used in construction or to produce electrical energy may be non-ferrous but does not specify the key characteristic of lacking significant iron content.