11.1.4

Metal Alloys

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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.

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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.
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Brass

  • Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
  • Adding zinc makes the material more malleable.
  • Uses include door fittings and water taps.
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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.
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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.
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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

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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