Alloys

Question 1

what is an alloy

Answer 1

an alloy is a mixture of 2 or more elements where at least one is a metal

Question 2

why are the layers irregular in an alloy

Answer 2

the layers are irregular in an alloy as the different elements have different sized ions

Question 3

what do the elements having different sized ions mean

Answer 3

it means that it’s harder for the ions to slide over one another when a force is applied to the alloy

Question 4

what makes alloys stronger than pure metals

Answer 4

the fact that it’s harder for the layers to slide over one another

Question 5

where are alloys used

Answer 5

alloys are used in construction

Question 6

what is brass an alloy of

Answer 6

brass is an alloy of copper and zinc

Question 7

what does adding zin to brass make it

Answer 7

it makes it more malleable

Question 8

where is brass used

Answer 8

brass is used in doors and water taps

Question 9

what is bronze an alloy of

Answer 9

bronze is an alloy of copper and tin

Question 10

where is copper used

Answer 10

making coins

electrical hardware

statues

Question 11

what do jewellers add to gold to make it more resilient

Answer 11

Silver, copper and zinc

Question 12

how many carats is 100% of gold

Answer 12

24 Carat

Question 13

what’s a key feature of aluminium alloy

Answer 13

it’s the low density

Question 14

where is aluminium used

Answer 14

aluminium is used in manufacturing aircrafts and armour plating for military vehicles

Question 15

what makes up the alloy steel

Answer 15

iron and carbon

Question 16

what are the features of High Carbon Steels and what are it’s uses

Answer 16

Strong but brittle - making cutting tools and blades

Question 17

what are the features of Low Carbon Steels and what are its uses

Answer 17

Soft but Malleable - making car bodies

Question 18

what’s in stainless steel

Answer 18

Chromium and Nickel

Question 19

what are the features of Stainless Steel and what are its uses

Answer 19

Strong and resistant to corrosion - cooking utensils

Question 20

What are the electrodes made out of for the electrolytic extraction of aluminium?

Answer 20

Carbon

Question 21

NOTE:

Copper:

1) Excellent electrical conductor
2) Malleable and ductile

Brass:

1) An alloy of Copper and Zinc
2) Has a higher strength than copper
3) Brittle

Answer 21

NOTE:

Copper:

1) Excellent electrical conductor
2) Malleable and ductile

Brass:

1) An alloy of Copper and Zinc
2) Has a higher strength than copper
3) Brittle

Question 22

describe the structure of an alloy

Answer 22

An alloy is formed of is a metal mixed with other elements. The addition of these extra components disrupts the regular lattice of metal nuclei. This means that layers of metal ions cannot slide over each other as easily.

Question 23

Explain why the alloy has more strength

Answer 23

Because the layers of metal cannot move over each other as easily, the rigidity of the metal structure increases.

Question 24

Explain why the alloy is more brittle

Answer 24

The nuclei in the alloy are not all the same size. This means that if the layers of atoms do move, the alignment of the nuclei will not be favourable. This will causes repulsive forces to form and these will cause the metal to break apart.