Question

Based on valence electrons and known properties of metals within a group, which of the following metals would be most likely used in an alloy with silver to produce sterling jewellery with a more rigid structure?
A) Copper
B) Zinc
C) Titanium
D) Nickel

Answer 1

Hint: An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements. Refer to the composition of sterling silver. Pure silver contains 99.9 % silver and is too soft. Thus, pure silver is alloyed with a metal which increases its strength while maintaining its colour. Also, sterling silver tarnishes more easily than fine silver.

Complete step by step answer:
Silver is one of the most important metals. It is generally more reactive metal than gold and is also difficult to extract from its ore when mined. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. In this form silver is beautiful and suffers from minimal tarnish, but it is generally too soft and malleable, and thus can’t be used for many purposes. Instead fine silver is alloyed with copper metal to create sterling silver. The composition of sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
The copper metal without compromising on colour of pure silver makes the silver harder, more durable and therefore much efficient to work with and use. The only problem with sterling silver is that the added copper is much more susceptible to oxidation and corrosion and thus, sterling silver tarnishes more easily than fine silver. Therefore, sterling silver turns dark brown or black over time, especially in humid conditions. However, it's easy to clean and remove the tarnish. Jewellery made from sterling silver is an excellent and high quality choice in most circumstances.

Thus, option A i.e., copper is the correct answer.

Note: Alloys of many metals are important because their properties are superior to those of their pure elemental form. Oftenly, sterling silver is hallmarked with the number 925. The reason for this is the percentage composition of sterling silver that is, 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. That’s why you will sometimes see sterling silver referred to as '925 silver'.