Question

Define an alloy and an amalgam.
State the main constituents of the following alloys: Stainless steel, Bronze. In which property is each of them different from its main constituents? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each definition: 1 Mark
Constituents of stainless steel: 1 Mark
Constituents of bronze: 1 Mark
Property: 1 Mark

An alloy is a homogenous mixture of two or more metal or non-metals. An alloy in which mercury is one of the constituents is called amalgam.
Stainless steel: An alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon.
Bronze: An alloy of copper, and tin.
Stainless steel does not get rusted whereas iron gets easily rusted. Bronze is more malleable than copper and is used for making coins, statues etc.