EXPIREMENT TO COMPARE THE HARDNESS OF AN ALLOY & A PURE METAL

Aim : To study the hardness and strength of an alloy as compared to a pure metal.
Problem Statement : Is brass (copper alloy) harder than copper?
Hypothesis : Diameter of depression on brass is smaller than diameter of depression on pure copper.
Variables : Manipulated: Type of metal block
Responding : Diameter of depression
Constant :Height of metal ball
Material : Copper block, brass block, metal block, metal ball (steel), cellophane tape, thread.
Apparatus : Metre rule, 1 kg weight, retort stand.


Procedure :
1. A steel ball is stuck to a brass block using cellophane tape.
2. A weight of 1 kg is hung at a height of 50 cm from the top of the brass block.
3. The weight is released so that it falls on the metal ball.
4. The diameter of depression formed on top of the brass block is measured using a metre
ruler and the measurement is recorded in Table 9.5
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated twice on different spots on the brass block to obtain an average of
the diameter
6. The experiment is repeated using a pure copper block.

Steel Ball
Brass Block
Weight
Results :
Block Diameter of depression
1

2 3 Average
diameter (mm)
Brass
Copper

Analysis :
1. The depression made on the brass block is smaller than the depression made on the pure
copper block.
2. Alloy can be defined operationally as a material which is harder because the depresssion
produced is smaller.
Conclusion :
1. Alloys are harder than pure metals.
2. The hypothesis made is accepted.