Alloys and its Importance


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Alloys and its Importance

Alloy and Its Importance:  An Alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal. It is prepared by mixing the metals in molten form and then cooling the mixture.

  • The electrical conductivity and melting point of an alloy is less than that of pure metals, e.g. brass, an alloy of copper and tin (Cu and Sn) is not a good conductor of electricity whereas copper is used for making electric circuits. If an alloy contains mercury as one of its components, it is called amalgam, e.g. sodium- mercury amalgam, silver-mercury amalgam etc.
  • The Wonder of Ancient Indian Metallurgy: the iron pillar near Qutub Minar in Delhi was built more than 1600 years ago by the iron workers of India. They had developed a process which prevented iron from rusting. For its quality of rust resistance, it has been examined by scientists from all parts of the world.
  • Name of the alloy

    Composition

    Uses

    Steel

    Iron + carbon

    Construction material, machine parts.

    Stainless steel

    Iron+ chromium nickel

    For making cooking utensils and cutlery, surgical implements

    Brass

    Copper +  zinc

    For making cooking utensils decorative statues, nuts and bolts

    Bronze

    Copper + Tin

    For making cooking utensils, coins medals, statues

    German silver

    Copper +zinc + nickel

    For making table ware.

    Duralumin

    Aluminum + copper + magnesium + manganese

    For making aircraft bodies, automobile parts.

    Alnico

    Aluminum + nickel + cobalt

    For making magnets

    Gun metal

    Copper + tin + zinc

    For making gun-barrels.

    Solder  Lead + tin For making strong permanent bonds
    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    A homogenous mixture of two or more metals is __________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Stainless steel is an alloy of ________________

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    An alloy is __________________

    Right Option : C
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
     


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