Question

Suppose a bank is on fire: the wood is burning and the metals are melting. As the temperature rises, which of these will be the first to melt and which will be the last: aluminum windows, lead flashings, copper piping, a decorative iron entry arch, and gold bullion.

Answer

Based solely on the materials melting points, the lead flashings will be the first to go at 621 degrees Fahrenheit (327 degrees Centigrade). The iron, at 2802 F. (1539 C.), will last the longest. In between, the aluminum will melt at 1220 F. (660 C.) followed by the gold at 1945 F. (1063 C.) and the copper at 1981 F. (1083 C.).