Question
Write a note on 'alloy'.
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Answer
- Alloying is a method of improving the properties of metal and get desired properties in metal.
- For example, iron is the most widely used metal; but it is never used in its pure state; because pure iron is very soft and stretches easily when it is hot.
- But, if it is mixed with a small amount of carbon (about $0.05 \%$), it becomes hard and strong.
- When iron is mixed with nickel and chromium, then we get stainless steel which is hard and does not rust.
- When iron is mixed with some other substances (metals) its properties change.
- In fact, the properties of any metal can be changed if it is mixed with some other substance.
- The substance added may be a metal or a non-metal.
- An alloy is a homogenous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal.
- It is prepared by first melting the primary metal and then dissolving the other elements in it in definite proportions.
- It is then cooled to room temperature.
- In an alloy, if one of the metal is mercury, then the alloy is known as an amalgam.
- For example, $Zn - Hg$ (Zinc amalgam).
- The electrical conductivity and melting point of an alloy are less than that of pure metals.
- For example, brass is an alloy of copper $(Cu)$ and zinc $(Zn)$; while, bronze is an alloy of copper $(Cu)$ and tin $(Sn)$.
- Bronze is not good conductor of electricity but copper $(Cu)$ and tin $(Sn)$ possess good electrical conductivity.
- Similarly, solder, an alloy of lead and tin ($Pb$ and $Sn$), has a low melting point and is used for welding electrical wires together.
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