Which metal is described as slightly soft with a rough finish?

• A. Brass
• B. Steel
• C. Aluminum
• D. Copper

Answer: (C)

In sheet metal work, hardness and surface finish are linked to how easy a metal is to form and how its surface behaves after cutting or stamping. Aluminum is relatively soft and highly ductile, so it forms and machines with less resistance. That softness is why it’s described as slighty soft. The rough finish comes from its tendency to show surface irregularities if tooling isn’t sharp or feeds aren’t optimized for aluminum; without careful finishing or polishing, the surface can look dull and rough. Copper and brass can take a smoother finish more readily, and steel is much harder, producing different finishing characteristics. So aluminum best fits the description of being slightly soft with a rough finish.