Alloys 

ALLOYS are mixtures of metals that provide improved properties compared to pure metals. They are widely used in various applications due to their enhanced characteristics.

Here are some examples:

Bronze:

An alloy of COPPER and TIN.
Bronze is HARDER than copper so is used to make MEDALS and STATUES.

Brass:

An alloy of COPPER and ZINC.
Brass is used in WATER TAPS as it has low friction.

Gold Alloys:

Gold used in JEWELLERY is usually NOT PURE.

It is commonly alloyed with silver, copper, and zinc.

The purity of gold in jewellery is measured in CARATS which shows the proportion of gold in the ALLOY;

• 24 CARAT is 100% pure gold.
• 18 CARAT is 75% gold.
• 12 CARAT is 50% gold.
• 6 CARAT is 25% gold.

Steels:

Steels are IRON alloys with CARBON.

• HIGH CARBON STEEL is STRONG but BRITTLE.
• LOW CARBON STEEL is SOFT and MALLEABLE (easily shaped).
• STAINLESS STEELS also include CHROMIUM and NICKEL. They are HARD and RESISTANT TO CORROSION.
  
  

Aluminium Alloys:

PURE aluminium has a LOW DENSITY but is too SOFT, so they are mixed with other metals to make them STRONGER and suitable for use in AEROPLANES.