Revision: Metallurgy >> Alloys Chemistry (English Medium) ICSE Class 10 CISCE

A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or metals with non-metals is known as an alloy.

For example - Duralumin is a homogeneous mixture of aluminium, copper, magnesium and manganese.

An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or of one or more metals with certain non-metallic elements.

Alloys melting in the range of about 51 °C to 260°C, usually contain bismuth, lead, tin, etc. These alloys are called fusible alloys. 

Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a silver-tin alloy.

A mixture or an alloy of mercury with a number of metals or alloys such as sodium, zinc, gold and silver as well as with some non metals is known as amalgam.

A steel containing up to 10% of elements such as chromium, molybdenum, nickel, etc., usually with a low percentage of carbon is known as alloy steel.

• Better Look: Alloys can improve colour, like aluminium bronze looks like gold.
• Less Reactive: Alloying reduces reactivity, e.g., sodium amalgam is safer than sodium.
• Lower Melting Point: Solder melts easily, useful in joining metals.
• Stronger Metals: Alloys like brass and duralumin are harder and stronger.
• More Resistance: Nichrome has high resistance, good for heating devices.