Alloys SS3 Chemistry Lesson Note

Metals

Metals are substances with a shiny lustre, which can conduct heat, and electricity and be beaten into different shapes.

Properties of metals

1. Conductivity: Most metals, permit the easy flow of heat and electricity
2. Malleability: This is the ability of metals to be beaten without breaking
3. Fusibility: This is the ability of metals to melt and mix with other metals.
4. Colour: This is the appearance of the metal when the surface is polished.

• Alloys

An alloy is a combination of metals or metals combined with one or more other elements.

Uses of alloy

Alloys can be used for various things. Below are the uses of alloys.

1. Bronze: This is used for the making of medals and coins.
2. Steel: Stainless steel is used for the making of spoons and plates, steel is also used for the construction of cars, bridges and machines.
3. Brass: it is used for making bolts and musical instruments.
4. Soldiers: Soft solders are used for joining metals.

Types of alloy

• Aluminium Alloys:

Although Aluminium alone isn’t the strongest metal, it is used in combination with other metals to create conductive, heat and tarnish-resistant alloys. Aluminium is used in many essential mechanical components including car engines, aeroplane body panels, and boat hulls.

• Nickel Alloys:

When Nickel and other metals come in contact with specific chemicals, they react in a way that produces electricity. This process has been harnessed in batteries worldwide and continuing research in the field has led to the promise of electric cars.

3. Stainless Steel Products:

All steel alloys are made from iron and carbon. The carbon prevents the iron from oxidising. Chromium and Nickel are added as well to produce stainless steel. 

There are four classes of alloy steel: structural steels, magnetic alloys, tool and die steels, and heat-resisting stainless steels. Consumers are very familiar with the last type since refrigerators, sinks, forks, knives, and my Other products are made from stainless steel.

4. Gold Alloys:

Many different types of jewellery that are ‘gold’ aren’t pure gold, but an alloy. That’s because gold is incredibly malleable, making it next to impossible to form durable jewellery with. Gold itself is used in manufacturing electronics due to the same malleability and because it is electrically conductive.