Question

(a) Define the terms 'alloy' and 'amalgam'. Name the alloy used for welding electric wires together. What are its constituents?

(b) Name the constituents of the following alloys :

(i) Brass (ii) Stainless steel (iii) Bronze,

State one property in each of these alloys, which is different from its main constituents

Answer 1

(a) An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal, mixed in the molten state. Amalgam is an alloy of a metal with mercury.

Solder - Lead and tin. :

(b) (i) Brass - copper and zinc

(ii) Stainless steel - iron, nickel and chromium

(iii) Bronze - copper and tin.

Brass and bronze have lower electrical conductivity than their constituents. Stainless steel does not corrode easily as iron does.