Alloys

Topic 2 - Bonding Structure & Properties of Matter
Written By Atheridge Tuition

In terms of atomic structure, explain why the copper-zinc alloy has greater mechanical hardness than pure copper.

[3 marks]

  • An alloy has more than one metal - in this case, zinc & copper.

    Pure metal has one - in this case, just copper.

Text reads Alloy. Alloy presented as a simple vector with smaller copper atoms and larger zinc atoms in a messy configuration. Text reads Pure Copper. This is represented by small copper atoms in a perfect grid alignment.

  • Alloy has different size atoms.

    (1 mark)

Text reads different size atoms. Alloy and pure copper simple vector graphics shown with the larger atoms in the alloy outlined in red.

  • Alloys have distorted layers.

    (1 mark)

Text reads distorted layers. Simple vector graphics of alloy and pure copper shown with perfect grid lines drawn on the pure metal and curved lines around the atoms in the alloy to show the irregularity of layers.

  • Layers cannot easily slide. (1 mark)

    That’s what makes them hard.

Text reads layers cannot slide easily. Simple vector graphics of alloy and pure metals. The alloy on top has 2 curved arrows around the particles. The pure metal in the lower half has straight horizontal arrows between layers showing them sliding.
Atheridge Tuition
Previous

Analysing Water Samples
Next

Measuring Volume of Gas