Intermediate Topic 326 of 1102 States of Matter & Solutions
Alloys
Metallic mixtures such as brass and steel with properties tailored from the base metals.
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In-depth explanation of Alloys
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with another metal or a nonmetal, designed to have properties superior to those of the pure metals. Alloys are made to increase strength, hardness, corrosion resistance or other qualities for specific uses. Atoms of different sizes distort the regular layers of a metal lattice, which makes it harder for the layers to slide past each other and so increases strength. Alloys are used in construction, aerospace, electronics and tool manufacture. Many alloys are solid solutions, although some form compounds or mixed phases.
Going deeper: Alloys
Key ideas: Common examples: brass is Cu with 10 to 40 percent Zn, bronze Cu with Sn, stainless steel Fe with at least 10.5 percent Cr, solder Sn with Pb or Ag, duralumin Al with Cu. Steel contains up to about 2 percent C, with more giving cast iron. Alloying usually lowers electrical conductivity but raises strength; melting point is often lower than that of pure components, as in eutectic solder.
Common mistakes and connections: Students think alloys are always simply mixed metals without changed properties, or that all have higher melting points. Another error is thinking alloys are compounds with fixed formula, although intermetallics exist. Heat treatment alters properties through phase changes such as quenching steel. Links to solid solutions, metallic bonding and corrosion resistance.
Visualization of Alloys
Alloys mix metals with other elements for better strength or corrosion resistance; 18-8 stainless steel is mostly iron with 18% Cr and 8% Ni. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
Frequently asked questions about Alloys
What is Alloys?
Metallic mixtures such as brass and steel with properties tailored from the base metals.
Is Alloys a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Alloys is a intermediate topic in States of Matter & Solutions. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Alloys?
Study these earlier topics in States of Matter & Solutions first: Coagulation, Hardy-Schulze Rule, Solid Solutions.
What comes after Alloys?
The next topics in States of Matter & Solutions are Dissolution Enthalpy and Solvation and Hydration.
Can I practise Alloys with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Alloys, and the States of Matter & Solutions quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Alloys fits in States of Matter & Solutions
Alloys is topic 107 of 109 in States of Matter & Solutions.