MediumChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Properties of Metals and Non-metalsConceptual
What is an alloy? Why is steel used for buildings and bridges, and not pure iron?
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
What is an alloy? Why is steel used for buildings and bridges, and not pure iron?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with other elements, melted together. Brass: copper and zinc. Bronze: copper and tin. Solder: lead and tin. Stainless steel: iron, chromium and nickel. Pure gold is carat; carat gold is gold. Mass of a part = total mass × its percentage ÷ .
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. An alloy is a mixture of a metal with other elements, made by melting them together.
Step 2. Pure iron is soft and bends. In steel, carbon atoms stop the layers of iron atoms from sliding, so it is much harder and stronger.
Answer: as above.
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