Alloys – Homework 24.02.

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What is an alloy? What is a metal?

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, Metals are giant structures that consist of (the
where at least one element is a metal. Many alloys same) atoms arranged in a regular pattern.
are mixtures of two or more metals.

Many pure metals are too soft for many uses. They can be made harder by adding another element
to the pure metal, so forming an alloy. This explains why an alloy often has more uses than the
pure elements it is made from.
e.g A small amount of tungsten is added to iron makes tool steel, which is harder than pure
iron. Steels are examples of alloys.

Bronze: Brass: Gold alloys:

Bronze is an alloy traditionally Brass is an alloy created by Zinc, copper, nickel, iron,
made of two elements — mixing copper and zinc. cadmium, aluminium, silver,
copper and tin. platinum and palladium are all
Basic brass is 33% zinc with
common metals alloyed with
However, other metals can 67% copper.
gold.
also make up bronze, such as Lead is sometimes added to
aluminium, nickel, Gold is too soft in its pure
improve machinability.
manganese, phosphorus, form for many practical
silicon,and zinc Properties: applications. It is therefore
High Malleability hardened by the addition of
Properties: High thermal conductivity. other metals
High ductility Corrosion resistance
High electrical and thermal Properties:
Bright gold appearance, but it
conductivity Generally stronger and more
can also be reddish-gold or
Corrosion resistance durable compared to pure gold
silvery-white
Low friction Less resistance to tarnishing
Low friction
High melting point (than pure gold)
Soft metal
Usually reddish brown Good conductor of electricity
Low melting point (relatively)
High melting point
Uses: Uses:
Coins and springs Uses:
Instruments
Tools Jewellery
Plumbing
Bronze casting Dentistry
Low friction applications
Instruments Electronics – computers
e.g valves, locks
Sculptures and architecture Circuitry
Fittings used around explosives
Tools