Question

What are the constituents of the alloy called solder?

Answer 1

Hint- Here, we will proceed by defining the term alloy and discussing it. Then, we will be discussing the importance of alloys over normal metals. Then, we will be mentioning the constituents of solder alloy along with their usual compositions.

Complete answer:
The word alloy described as a "mixture of metals", but that's a little bit misleading because some alloys contain only one metal and it's mixed in with other substances that are non-metals (cast iron, for example, is an alloy made of just one metal, iron, mixed with one non-metal, carbon).
The best way to think of an alloy is as a material that's made up of at least two different chemical elements, one of which is a metal. The most important metallic component of an alloy (often representing 90 percent or more of the material) is called the main metal, the parent metal, or the base metal. The other components of an alloy (which are called alloying agents) can be either metals or non-metals and they're present in much smaller quantities (sometimes less than 1 percent of the total).
Although an alloy can sometimes be a compound (the elements it's made from are chemically bonded together), it's usually a solid solution (atoms of the elements are simply intermixed, like salt mixed with water).
Alloys are generally more useful as compared to normal metal. This is because of their special chemical and physical properties.

The constituents of the alloy called solder are lead (Pb) and tin (Sn). This alloy known as solder has low melting point but has excellent electrical conductivity. Due to this property, solder is used for soldering of electrical wires used in day to day life.

Different combinations of tin, lead are used to create solder. The combinations used depend on the desired properties. The most popular combination is 60% tin, 39% lead, and 1% alloys. This combination is strong, has a low melting range, and melts and sets quickly. A higher tin composition gives the solder higher corrosion resistances, but raises the melting point.

Note- Aluminium is a very light metal but it's also very soft in its pure form. By adding small amounts of the metals like magnesium, manganese, and copper, a superb aluminium alloy called duralumin is formed which is strong enough to make airplanes. Generally, alloys are stronger and harder than their main metals, less malleable (harder to work) and less ductile (harder to pull into wires).