9.3.5

Structure of Alloys & Their Strength

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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.

Illustrative background for What is an alloy?Illustrative background for What is an alloy? ?? "content

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.
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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.
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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.
Illustrative background for Why are alloys stronger?Illustrative background for Why are alloys stronger? ?? "content

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.
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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.

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

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