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Chapter 10: Problem 19

What is an alloy? Explain the differences in structure between substitutional and interstitial alloys. Give an example of each type.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, with at least one being a metal, which combines their properties to create a material with different characteristics than the pure elements. In substitutional alloys, such as brass, solute atoms replace solvent atoms in the crystal lattice. In interstitial alloys, such as steel, smaller solute atoms occupy the spaces between solvent atoms in the lattice structure, leading to a distorted crystal lattice and different properties compared to the base metal.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of an Alloy

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, combining their properties to create a material with different characteristics than the pure elements. The combination improves the properties of the base metal, typically by making it stronger, more durable, or imparting other useful qualities.
02

Substitutional Alloys

In substitutional alloys, the solute atoms replace or substitute for the solvent atoms in the crystal lattice. This means that the solute atoms take up positions of the solvent atoms within the crystal lattice. The solute and solvent atoms should have similar atomic radii (up to a 15% difference) and the same crystal structure for the formation of substitutional alloys. This type of alloy is characterized by random distribution of elements. Example: Brass is a substitutional alloy primarily consisting of copper (solvent) and zinc (solute). In the crystal lattice, zinc atoms replace some of the copper atoms, resulting in a stronger and more durable material.
03

Interstitial Alloys

In interstitial alloys, the solute atoms are much smaller than the solvent atoms. Instead of substituting for the solvent atoms in the crystal lattice, the solute atoms occupy the interstices (empty spaces) between the solvent atoms in the lattice structure. This leads to a distorted crystal lattice and different properties compared to the base metal. Example: Steel is an interstitial alloy primarily consisting of iron (solvent) and carbon (solute). Carbon atoms, being smaller than iron atoms, occupy the interstices within the lattice structure of iron, leading to a stronger and more ductile material.

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