Alloys (Cambridge O Level Chemistry)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Alexandra Brennan

Last updated

Properties & Uses of Alloys

  • An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or metal with a non-metal such as carbon
  • Alloys often have properties that can be very different from the metals they contain, for example, they can have more strength, hardness or resistance to corrosion or extreme temperatures
  • These enhanced properties can make alloys more useful than pure metals

Structure of alloy, IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notesThe regular arrangement of a metal lattice structure is distorted in alloys

 Common alloys and their uses

  • Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is much stronger than either metal
    • It is used in musical instruments, ornaments and door knobs
  • Stainless steel is a mixture of iron and other elements, for example, chromium, nickel and carbon
    • It is used in cutlery because of its hardness and resistance to corrosion
  • Alloys of iron with tungsten are extremely hard and resistant to high temperatures
  • Alloys of iron mixed with chromium or nickel are resistant to corrosion
  • Aluminium is mixed with copper, manganese and silicon for aircraft body production as the alloy is stronger but still has a low density

Examiner Tip

Alloys are mixtures of substances, they are not chemically combined and an alloy is not a compound.

Explaining the Properties of Alloys

  • Alloys contain atoms of different sizes, which distorts the normally regular arrangements of atoms in metals
  • This makes it more difficult for the layers to slide over each other, so alloys are usually much harder than the pure metal

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. It’s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.