Alloys
Definition
An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more elements, where at least one element is a metal. Alloys often have enhanced properties compared to their component elements.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Alloys are considered solutions because they are homogeneous mixtures of metals and other elements.
- Common examples of alloys include steel (iron and carbon), brass (copper and zinc), and bronze (copper and tin).
- The dissolution process for creating an alloy involves melting the base metal and then adding other elements to achieve the desired composition.
- Alloys can exhibit improved properties such as increased strength, corrosion resistance, or electrical conductivity compared to their individual components.
- Phase diagrams are often used to understand the different phases present in an alloy at various temperatures and compositions.
Review Questions
- What makes an alloy different from a pure metal?
- How does the dissolution process contribute to the formation of alloys?
- Can you name three common alloys and their constituent elements?
"Alloys" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Related terms
Solution: A homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances where one substance is dissolved in another.
Colloid: A mixture where very small particles of one substance are evenly distributed throughout another without settling out.
Phase Diagram: A chart used to show the conditions under which distinct phases exist at equilibrium.
