What are the physical properties of alloys and how do they differ from pure metals?

Alloys have different physical properties compared to pure metals.

Alloys are a mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal. They have different physical properties compared to pure metals due to the changes in their crystal structure and composition. Alloys have improved strength, hardness, and durability compared to pure metals. This is because the addition of another metal or non-metal changes the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice, making it more difficult for the layers to slide past each other. This results in a stronger and harder material.

Alloys also have different melting and boiling points compared to pure metals. The addition of another metal or non-metal can lower or raise the melting and boiling points of the alloy. For example, the addition of carbon to iron produces steel, which has a higher melting point than pure iron. This makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications.

Alloys also have different electrical and thermal conductivity compared to pure metals. The addition of another metal or non-metal can increase or decrease the electrical and thermal conductivity of the alloy. For example, the addition of copper to gold produces an alloy that has higher electrical conductivity than pure gold. This makes it suitable for use in electrical wiring.

In summary, alloys have different physical properties compared to pure metals due to changes in their crystal structure and composition. They have improved strength, hardness, and durability, different melting and boiling points, and different electrical and thermal conductivity.