9.3.1

Alloys

Test yourself

Metal Alloys

An alloy is a metal that is mixed with other elements. By adding these other elements, we can change a metal's properties. Most metals that we use in everyday life are alloys.

Illustrative background for BronzeIllustrative background for Bronze ?? "content

Bronze

  • Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
  • Adding tin increases the hardness of the material.
  • Uses include making coins, electrical hardware and statues.
Illustrative background for BrassIllustrative background for Brass ?? "content

Brass

  • Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
  • Adding zinc makes the material more malleable.
  • Uses include door fittings and water taps.
Illustrative background for GoldIllustrative background for Gold ?? "content

Gold

  • Pure gold is soft and so jewellers will often add metals such as silver, copper and zinc to produce a more resilient substance.
  • Carats provide a measure for the purity of a gold alloy:
    • 24 carats = 100% gold.
    • Therefore, 18 carats = 75% gold.
Illustrative background for SteelIllustrative background for Steel ?? "content

Steel

  • Steels are alloys of iron that contain carbon as well as other metals.
    • High carbon steels are strong but brittle. Uses include making cutting tools and blades.
    • Low carbon steels are soft but malleable. Uses include making car bodies.
    • Stainless steels (steels containing chromium and nickel) are strong and resistant to corrosion. Uses include cooking utensils and cutlery.
Illustrative background for AluminiumIllustrative background for Aluminium ?? "content

Aluminium

  • A key feature of aluminium alloys is their low density, which makes them suitable for use in manufacturing aircrafts.
  • Other uses include armour plating for military vehicles.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium