There are some familiar metals that are actually mixtures of several different types of metals - they are called alloys (AL-oise). Here are a few you've probably heard of (and some that are likely new to you):- Steel: mixture of iron and one or more other metals (there will be a separate post about steel later)
- Brass (copper and zinc): a shiny yellow metal that looks a little like gold
- Bronze (copper and tin): a dark gold to brown metal that gets darker in color as it ages
- Pewter (copper, tin, and lead): a dark gray metal used for bowls, flatware, jewelry and other decorative items
- Solder (lead and usually tin): an alloy that melts at a relatively low temperature; used to make electrical circuits
- Nitinol (nickel and titanium): this alloy remembers its original shape; used to make eyeglass frames
- Electrum (gold and silver): also known as white gold; used in jewelry
- Alnico (aluminum, nickel, and copper): used to make magnets
- Amalgam (silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury): a soft alloy that has been used to fill dental cavities
- Nichrome (nickel and chromium): an alloy that glows orange-red and gives off heat when an electrical current is passed through it; used in toasters and electric burners
Take a look around your house and see how many examples of alloys you can find!
No comments:
Post a Comment