Structural Diagrams of Alloys
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 9.3.4
Structural Diagrams of Alloys
An alloy diagram shows an irregular pattern with different-sized atoms mixed in.
Alloys
- Alloys are a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements (which can be metals or non-metals).
- The different-sized atoms disrupt the regular lattice structure.
- This prevents the layers of atoms from easily sliding over each other.
- This makes alloys harder, stronger, and less malleable than pure metals.
Alloy structure
- A structural diagram of an alloy will show atoms of at least two different sizes.
- The smaller atoms are often in between the larger atoms.
- A structural diagram of a pure metal will show atoms of only one size arranged in a repeating, orderly pattern.
- This visual difference is the key to identifying an alloy from a diagram.
Test yourself on Structural Diagrams of Alloys
Why are alloys harder than pure metals?