Alloys Flashcards
what is an alloy
an alloy is a mixture of 2 or more elements where at least one is a metal
why are the layers irregular in an alloy
the layers are irregular in an alloy as the different elements have different sized ions
what do the elements having different sized ions mean
it means that it’s harder for the ions to slide over one another when a force is applied to the alloy
what makes alloys stronger than pure metals
the fact that it’s harder for the layers to slide over one another
where are alloys used
alloys are used in construction
what is brass an alloy of
brass is an alloy of copper and zinc
what does adding zin to brass make it
it makes it more malleable
where is brass used
brass is used in doors and water taps
what is bronze an alloy of
bronze is an alloy of copper and tin
where is copper used
making coins
electrical hardware
statues
what do jewellers add to gold to make it more resilient
Silver, copper and zinc
how many carats is 100% of gold
24 Carat
what’s a key feature of aluminium alloy
it’s the low density
where is aluminium used
aluminium is used in manufacturing aircrafts and armour plating for military vehicles
what makes up the alloy steel
iron and carbon
what are the features of High Carbon Steels and what are it’s uses
Strong but brittle - making cutting tools and blades
what are the features of Low Carbon Steels and what are its uses
Soft but Malleable - making car bodies
what’s in stainless steel
Chromium and Nickel
what are the features of Stainless Steel and what are its uses
Strong and resistant to corrosion - cooking utensils
What are the electrodes made out of for the electrolytic extraction of aluminium?
Carbon
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
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
describe the structure of an alloy
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.
Explain why the alloy has more strength
Because the layers of metal cannot move over each other as easily, the rigidity of the metal structure increases.
Explain why the alloy is more brittle
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.
