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Core:
Supplement: 5. Explain in terms of structure how alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals because the different sized atoms in alloys mean the layers can no longer slide over each other
Alloys are mixtures of elements (usually metals) designed to have properties that are useful for a particular purpose. They are not pure elements and therefore do not appear in the Periodic Table.
💡 Key Point: Substances such as steel, bronze, and brass share the properties of metals but are actually alloys, not pure elements.
Alloys are formed by:
The resulting alloy is not simply a mixture of different crystal regions. Instead, the atoms of the second element form part of the overall crystal lattice.
Pure metals are not always the most useful for practical purposes:
Alloying can modify the properties of a metal to make it:
Alloys are generally harder, stronger, and more corrosion resistant than the original individual metals.
Important: Strength is not the only property to consider when designing an alloy. Different alloys are designed for different purposes.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
| Component | Typical Percentage |
|---|---|
| Copper | 70% |
| Zinc | 30% |
Properties:
Uses:
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