Alloy — Science definition
A mixture of a metal with one or more other elements, such as steel or brass.
Where it is taught
- Metallic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
Adding carbon to iron makes steel, far stronger than iron alone; copper plus zinc makes brass; copper plus tin makes bronze, the alloy so important that it named an age of human history.
Metallic Bonding
Questions using alloy
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
The substitutional species replaces a host-site occupant; the interstitial species occupies a space between host sites in the simplified arrangement.
An alloy combines a metallic element with one or more other elements. In a substitutional model, some host sites are occupied by another species; in an interstitial model, smaller atoms occupy spaces between selected host sites. Both can influence dislocation motion and properties. Real alloys may include several phases and complex microstructures, so a uniform dot pattern is not a universal atom-by-atom picture. State composition, treatment and measured property before recommending an alloy for a design.
The substitutional species replaces a host-site occupant; the interstitial species occupies a space between host sites in the simplified arrangement.
Response criteria
- Interpret labels, structures, axes, units and directions correctly.
- Explain the chemistry relationship or mechanism.
- Respect stated assumptions and distinguish observation from inference.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements. Examples include steel (iron mixed with carbon) or brass (copper mixed with zinc).