Alloys

Question 1

Alloy

Answer 1

a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is metal

Question 2

Steel is an alloy of…

Answer 2

iron and carbon

Question 3

Steel is stronger than…

Answer 3

iron

as long as the amount of carbon does not get greater than about 1%

Question 4

Why is steel better than iron?

Answer 4

iron on its own will rust quickly

steel is much less likely to rust - small amount of carbon makes a big difference

Question 5

Things made from steel

Answer 5

bridges 
engine parts 
cutlery 
washing machines 
ships
cars
drill bits

Question 6

Brass is an alloy of…

Answer 6

copper and zinc

Question 7

Properties of brass

Answer 7

mixture of those of copper and zinc

brass is harder than either of them

Question 8

Things made from brass

Answer 8

brass musical instruments (trumpets, trombones, French horns)
fixture and fitting - screws, springs, doorknobs

Question 9

Bronze is an alloy of…

Answer 9

copper and tin

Question 10

Properties of bronze

Answer 10

harder and stronger than tin

more resistant to corrosion than either copper or tin

Question 11

Things made from bronze

Answer 11

springs
motor bearings
bells
sculptures

Question 12

Solder is an alloy of…

Answer 12

lead and tin

Question 13

Solder properties

Answer 13

unlike pure materials it doesn’t have a definite melting point - but gradually solidifies as it cools down
this makes it useful for doing metal things together as it can be easily worked - used to connect components in electronic circuits
relatively low melting point - can melt solder without deforming other components

Question 14

Duralumin is an alloy of…

Answer 14

about 
94% aluminium 
4% copper 
1% magnesium 
small amounts of manganese