9.3.5
Structure of Alloys & Their Strength
Structure of Alloys and Their Strength
Structure of Alloys and Their Strength
Alloys are stronger than pure metals because different-sized atoms stop layers from sliding, giving metals hardness and strength.


What is an alloy?
What is an alloy?
- An alloy is a metal made by mixing two or more elements.
- Alloys are used widely for stronger tools.
- Pure metals have one type of atom in a regular arrangement.
- Alloys contain atoms of different sizes mixed into the metal's structure.


Atomic structure of pure metals
Atomic structure of pure metals
- Pure metals have atoms arranged in layers.
- These layers slide over each other easily.
- Sliding layers make pure metals soft and easy to shape.
- For example, pure copper is soft because its layers move smoothly.


Atomic structure of alloys
Atomic structure of alloys
- Alloys have different-sized atoms mixed into the metal layers.
- Larger and smaller atoms distort the regular arrangement.
- Distorted layers cannot slide easily over each other.
- This restriction makes alloys harder and stronger than pure metals.


Why are alloys stronger?
Why are alloys stronger?
- Different-sized atoms block the movement of metal layers.
- This blocking increases the metal's resistance to bending.
- Alloys do not bend or deform as easily as pure metals.
- For example, steel (an iron and carbon alloy) is much harder than pure iron.


Summary of alloy strength
Summary of alloy strength
- Metals are harder and stronger when atoms vary in size.
- This variation stops layers from sliding in the structure.
- Alloys offer practical uses due to their improved strength.
1States of Matter
1.1Solids, Liquids, & Gases
2Atoms, Elements & Compounds
2.1Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
2.2Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
2.3Isotopes
2.4Ions & Ionic Bonds
2.5Simple Molecules & Covalent Bonds
2.6Giant Covalent Structures
2.7Metallic Bonding
3Stoichometry
3.1Formulae
3.2Relative Masses of Atoms & Molecules
3.3The Mole & the Avogadro Constant
3.3.1Introducing Moles
3.3.2Amounts of Substances
3.3.3Moles & Equations
3.3.4Calculations Involving Gases
3.3.5Calculating Stoichiometric Reacting Masses
3.3.6Calculating the Moles of Solute
3.3.7Calculating Empirical Formula
3.3.8Chemical Equations
3.3.9Percentage Yield
3.3.10Calculating Yield
3.3.11Percentage Purity
4Electrochemistry
4.1Electrolysis
4.1.1Electrolytic Process
4.1.2Electrolysis Examples
4.1.3Electrolysis of a Binary Compound in Molten State
4.1.4Electroplating
4.1.5Transfer of Charge During Electrolysis
4.1.6Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
4.1.7Electrolysis of Copper Sulfate
4.1.8Electrolysis of Halide Compounds
4.1.9Half-Equations
4.1.10Combustion of Hydrocarbons
4.2Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells
5Chemical Energetics
6Chemical Reactions
6.1Physical & Chemical Changes
6.2Rate of Reaction
6.3Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium
6.3.1Reversible Reactions
6.3.2Conditions & Equilibrium
6.3.3Dynamic Equilibrium
6.3.4Changing Conditions - Heat & Water Effects
6.3.5Factors Affecting Equilibria - Temperature
6.3.6Factors Affecting Equilibria - Pressure
6.3.7Factors Affecting Equilibria - Concentration
6.3.8The Haber Process
6.3.9The Haber Process Equation
7Acids, Bases & Salts
7.1The Characteristic Properties of Acids & Bases
7.1.1Acids & Alkali
7.1.2Reactions of Metals with Acids
7.1.3Reactions of Bases with Acids
7.1.4Reactions of Carbonates with Acids
7.1.5Identifying Acids
7.1.6Properties & Effects of Acids
7.1.7Properties of Bases - Reactions with Acids & Salts
7.1.8Properties of Alkalis & Indicators
7.1.9Strong vs Weak Acids
7.1.10Strong vs Weak Bases
7.1.11Understanding Universal Indicator Paper
7.1.12Acids, Bases & the Neutralisation Reaction
8The Periodic Table
8.1Arrangement of Elements
8.2Group I Properties
8.3Group VII Properties
8.4Transition Elements
8.5Noble Gases
9Metals
9.1Properties of Metals
9.2Uses of Metals
9.3Alloys & Their Properties
9.4Reactivity Series
9.5Corrosion of Metals
9.6Extraction of Metals
10Chemistry of the Environment
10.1Water
10.2Fertilisers
11Organic Chemistry
11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology
11.2Naming Organic Compounds
11.3Fuels
11.4Alkanes
11.5Alkenes
11.6Alcohols
11.7Carboxylic Acids
11.8Polymers
11.8.1Polymers
11.8.2Problems With Polymers
11.8.3Polymers & Plastics
11.8.4Problems with Plastics
11.8.5Condensation Polymerisation
11.8.6Condensation Polymerisation Examples
11.8.7Addition Polymerisation
11.8.8Addition Polymerisation Examples
11.8.9Structure of Polymers
11.8.10Natural Polyamides - Proteins & Amino Acids
12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis
12.1Experimental Design
12.2Acid-base Titrations
12.3Chromatography
12.4Separation & Purification
12.5Identification of Ions & Gases
12.5.1Testing Aqueous Cations 1
12.5.2Testing Aqueous Cations 2
12.5.3Testing Cations - Flame Tests
12.5.4Testing Cations
12.5.5Testing for Aqueous Cations
12.5.6Testing Anions - Sulfates
12.5.7Testing Anions - Nitrates
12.5.8Testing Gases - Hydrogen
12.5.9Testing Gases - Oxygen
12.5.10Testing Gases - Carbon Dioxide
12.5.11Testing Gases - Chlorine
12.5.12Identifying Gases
Jump to other topics
1States of Matter
1.1Solids, Liquids, & Gases
2Atoms, Elements & Compounds
2.1Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
2.2Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
2.3Isotopes
2.4Ions & Ionic Bonds
2.5Simple Molecules & Covalent Bonds
2.6Giant Covalent Structures
2.7Metallic Bonding
3Stoichometry
3.1Formulae
3.2Relative Masses of Atoms & Molecules
3.3The Mole & the Avogadro Constant
3.3.1Introducing Moles
3.3.2Amounts of Substances
3.3.3Moles & Equations
3.3.4Calculations Involving Gases
3.3.5Calculating Stoichiometric Reacting Masses
3.3.6Calculating the Moles of Solute
3.3.7Calculating Empirical Formula
3.3.8Chemical Equations
3.3.9Percentage Yield
3.3.10Calculating Yield
3.3.11Percentage Purity
4Electrochemistry
4.1Electrolysis
4.1.1Electrolytic Process
4.1.2Electrolysis Examples
4.1.3Electrolysis of a Binary Compound in Molten State
4.1.4Electroplating
4.1.5Transfer of Charge During Electrolysis
4.1.6Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
4.1.7Electrolysis of Copper Sulfate
4.1.8Electrolysis of Halide Compounds
4.1.9Half-Equations
4.1.10Combustion of Hydrocarbons
4.2Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells
5Chemical Energetics
6Chemical Reactions
6.1Physical & Chemical Changes
6.2Rate of Reaction
6.3Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium
6.3.1Reversible Reactions
6.3.2Conditions & Equilibrium
6.3.3Dynamic Equilibrium
6.3.4Changing Conditions - Heat & Water Effects
6.3.5Factors Affecting Equilibria - Temperature
6.3.6Factors Affecting Equilibria - Pressure
6.3.7Factors Affecting Equilibria - Concentration
6.3.8The Haber Process
6.3.9The Haber Process Equation
7Acids, Bases & Salts
7.1The Characteristic Properties of Acids & Bases
7.1.1Acids & Alkali
7.1.2Reactions of Metals with Acids
7.1.3Reactions of Bases with Acids
7.1.4Reactions of Carbonates with Acids
7.1.5Identifying Acids
7.1.6Properties & Effects of Acids
7.1.7Properties of Bases - Reactions with Acids & Salts
7.1.8Properties of Alkalis & Indicators
7.1.9Strong vs Weak Acids
7.1.10Strong vs Weak Bases
7.1.11Understanding Universal Indicator Paper
7.1.12Acids, Bases & the Neutralisation Reaction
8The Periodic Table
8.1Arrangement of Elements
8.2Group I Properties
8.3Group VII Properties
8.4Transition Elements
8.5Noble Gases
9Metals
9.1Properties of Metals
9.2Uses of Metals
9.3Alloys & Their Properties
9.4Reactivity Series
9.5Corrosion of Metals
9.6Extraction of Metals
10Chemistry of the Environment
10.1Water
10.2Fertilisers
11Organic Chemistry
11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology
11.2Naming Organic Compounds
11.3Fuels
11.4Alkanes
11.5Alkenes
11.6Alcohols
11.7Carboxylic Acids
11.8Polymers
11.8.1Polymers
11.8.2Problems With Polymers
11.8.3Polymers & Plastics
11.8.4Problems with Plastics
11.8.5Condensation Polymerisation
11.8.6Condensation Polymerisation Examples
11.8.7Addition Polymerisation
11.8.8Addition Polymerisation Examples
11.8.9Structure of Polymers
11.8.10Natural Polyamides - Proteins & Amino Acids
12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis
12.1Experimental Design
12.2Acid-base Titrations
12.3Chromatography
12.4Separation & Purification
12.5Identification of Ions & Gases
12.5.1Testing Aqueous Cations 1
12.5.2Testing Aqueous Cations 2
12.5.3Testing Cations - Flame Tests
12.5.4Testing Cations
12.5.5Testing for Aqueous Cations
12.5.6Testing Anions - Sulfates
12.5.7Testing Anions - Nitrates
12.5.8Testing Gases - Hydrogen
12.5.9Testing Gases - Oxygen
12.5.10Testing Gases - Carbon Dioxide
12.5.11Testing Gases - Chlorine
12.5.12Identifying Gases
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