1. Magnet Test:

* Ferrous metals: These metals are attracted to magnets. Iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt are examples.

* Non-ferrous metals: These metals are not attracted to magnets. Examples include copper, aluminum, gold, silver, and titanium.

2. Spark Test (For Welded Metals):

* Ferrous metals: When welded, they produce a shower of bright sparks that are typically orange or red in color. The sparks tend to be long and branching.

* Non-ferrous metals: The spark patterns are typically short, white, and less intense.

3. Chemical Properties:

* Ferrous metals: These metals are susceptible to rust and corrosion.

* Non-ferrous metals: Generally more resistant to rust and corrosion.

4. Density:

* Ferrous metals: Generally denser than non-ferrous metals.

* Non-ferrous metals: Typically less dense than ferrous metals.

5. Color:

* Ferrous metals: Can have various colors, but often have a gray or brown color.

* Non-ferrous metals: Can have a wide range of colors, including yellow (gold), red (copper), white (silver), etc.

Additional Notes:

* Stainless steel: While it contains iron (ferrous), it's often more resistant to rust due to its chromium content. A magnet test might not be conclusive for all types of stainless steel.

* Some alloys: There are alloys that combine ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These can be tricky to classify.

Remember: The magnet test is the easiest and most common way to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.