Metals & Alloys

Question 1

Define metals

Answer 1

Pure metals (found on periodic table)

Question 2

Define alloys

Answer 2

Mixture of pure metals

Question 3

How can metals and alloys degrade?

Answer 3

• They oxidize (corrode)/chemically alter if exposed to the elements (acid, rain, salt, oxygen)

Question 4

Describe treatments to prevent degradation of metals & alloys

Answer 4

• Coating with other metals (metal plating)
• Coating with paint, enamel, grease, resin, antioxidants can be applied if the alloy contains IRON to avoid rust
• Quench hardening & tempering
• Annealing

Question 5

Describe quench hardening and tempering

Answer 5

Heat treatments used on alloys (iron + carbon) will cause the various atoms inside the material to rearrange themselves, producing a harder steel

Question 6

Describe annealing

Answer 6

Restores the original properties of steel after it has been deformed by welding for example