Question

Constituents of German silver are
A. Cu, Zn, Sn
B. Mg, Al, Sn
C. Na, Hg, Pb
D. Cu, Zn, Ni

Answer 1

Hint: German silver is an alloy. Two or more metals are combined to form an alloy. In addition to metals, some alloys also contain non metals.

Complete answer:
> German silver is silvery white in appearance. Hence it was named German silver. But nowadays, if an alloy does not contain silver, then it cannot be named as silver. German silver is also called Nickel silver.
> Due to the presence of nickel and zinc metal in German silver, when German silver comes in contact with skin, it may cause rashes, itching, dry patches or redness of the skin. Due to this fact, German silver cannot be used in jewellery despite it having a silvery white appearance.
> Constituents of German silver are copper, zinc and nickel \[\left( {{\text{Cu, Zn, Ni}}} \right)\].
The relative percentages of copper, zinc and nickel in German silver are 60 % , 20% and 20 % respectively.

Hence, the correct option is the option D.

Additional Information: In addition to copper, zinc and nickel, sometimes German silver also contains lead and tin. When kept in the dark for a long time, German silver turns black. This is due to the oxidation reaction.

Note: German silver is hard, tough and has resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used for the preparation of articles such as silver plated tableware. Marine fittings, and plumbing fixtures. German silver has high electrical resistance. Hence, German silver is used in electrical fittings.