Essential Chemistry for IGCSE - Metals And Reactivity (Section 2 - No. 27)
Why are alloys generally harder and stronger than pure metals?
Alloys have a larger crystal structure.
The different sized atoms in an alloy disrupt the regular arrangement of atoms, making it more difficult for layers to slide over each other.
Alloys have a smaller crystal structure.
Alloys contain more free electrons.
Explanation
The disruption of the regular arrangement of atoms due to different atomic sizes in alloys prevents easy layer sliding, resulting in greater hardness and strength.
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