Question

What is an alloy? Name the alloy which has copper, nickel, and zinc as its constituents. What is the main use of this alloy?

Answer 1

1. Alloy

The homogenous materials which are composed of two or more elements, one of which must be a metal, are called alloys. To form an alloy, two or more elements are melted together and allowed to cool.

2. Composition of the alloy

The alloy which has copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) as its constituents is German silver. The mass percent of each constituent is as: Cu = 60%, Zn = 20%, Ni = 20%.

3. Uses of the alloy

This alloy is used for various purposes due to its hardness, toughness, and anti-corrosive nature. Uses of German silver are:

1. It is used for electroplating metals.
2. It is also used in silverware and jewellery.