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- Distinguish between metals and non-metals by their general physical and chemical properties.
Metals are the elements on the left side of the periodic table and non-metals are those on the right side of the periodic table.
- Identify and interpret diagrams that represent the structure of an alloy.
A mixture of two or more metals is called an alloy. An alloy is not just a mixture of the metal crystals, the atoms of the second metal are part of the crystal lattice.
- Explain why metals are often used in the form of alloys.
When a metal is alloyed with a second metal, the different sized metal atoms make the arrangement of the lattice less regular. This stops the layers of metal atoms from sliding easily over each other when a force is applied. Thus an alloy is stronger and harder than a pure metal. This is why alloys are used rather than metals for industrial uses.
One very common alloy is the brass. It is an alloy made of copper and zinc. It is stronger than copper but still malleable, so is used in making musical instruments and ornaments.
Another very common alloy is stainless steel, made from iron, chromium and nickel. Iron rusts easily but the alloy doesn’t, so it can be used to make car parts, cutlery, surgical instruments etc.
Notes submitted by Lintha
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