Question

Alloys used for making medals, coins, statues, ship’s propellers consist of:
A. Zinc, nickel
B. Copper, tin
C. Zinc, tin
D. Lead, aluminium

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, it is necessary to know the characteristic properties of the combining metals as well as the finally formed alloy. The physical and chemical properties of the alloy determine the use cases of the alloy.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this question, let us understand some basic concepts.
An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non - metal in a fixed quantity. Since it is a mixture of two or more metals, it derives various characteristics from these metals, to find the perfect metallic compound for a certain use case. The alloys formed by the metals in the options given are as follows:
Zinc and nickel: These two metals form an alloy which is widely used in the electrode position industry because of its corrosion resistance properties. However, this alloy is very expensive
Copper and tin: Copper and tin are combined to form an alloy known as bronze. This alloy has excellent corrosion resistance properties and is hence used in a variety of fields like construction of sculptures, musical instruments and medals, and in industrial applications such as bushings and bearings, where its low metal on metal friction is an advantage. Bronze also has nautical applications.
Zinc, tin: These two metals are used to form an alloy which is widely used in chemical vapour deposition and physical vapour deposition pellets. It is also used in ballast, casting, step soldering and radiation shielding.
Lead and aluminium: Lead has been known to have poor creep characteristics and is also quite heavy. The addition of aluminium helps improve this resistance to creep. It also efficiently optimises the electrical conductivity and also helps in reducing density. These two metals are immiscible, and research is still going on for crafting an efficient process for forming this alloy.
Hence, Alloys used for making medals, coins, statues, ship’s propellers consist of Copper and tin

Hence, Option B is the correct option.

Note: Some of the properties of bronze include high ductility. High malleability, low friction, relatively brittle, selective oxidation (oxide layer is limited to pouter surface).