resources - alloys

Question 1

what is an alloy?

Answer 1

contains a metal blended with other elements. it is a mixture. we make it by melting our metal, mixing in other elements and then allowing the alloy to cool

Question 2

properties of alloys

Answer 2

• harder than pure metals (pure metals soft due to layers). in alloys, atoms are different sizes disrupting the layers + stops them from sliding

Question 3

what metals are present in the alloys bronze + uses?

Answer 3

• copper and tin
• bronze is extremely hard and tends not to corrode so used for statues

Question 4

what metals are present in the alloys brass + uses?

Answer 4

• alloys of copper and zinc
• harder than pure copper but can still form different shapes. used for musical instruments and door handles

Question 5

what metals are present in the alloys gold + uses?

Answer 5

• gold used for jewellery but pure gold too soft
• alloyed with silver, copper + zinc to make it harder
• purity of gold rate in carats. 24 carat = 100% gold, 18 carat=75% gold

Question 6

what metals are present in the alloys steel?

Answer 6

• alloys of iron containing specific amounts of non-metal carbon. also contains other metals
• high carbon steel is extremely brittle + hard. tends to break if we hit it with a hammer
• high carbon steel used to make cutting tools such as chisels
• low carbon steel softer + more easily shaped so used to make car bodies

Question 7

problem with steel + prevention

Answer 7

• it is an alloy of iron meaning it can rust.
• to prevent, stainless steel contains iron and carbon but also chromium and nickel
• stainless steel hard + resistant to corrosion

Question 8

why are aluminium alloys important/useful?

Answer 8

low density which makes them extremely useful eg in aeroplane bodies