Question

German silver contains:
A. Cu-Zn-Sn
B. Cu-Pb-Ni
C. Cu-Zn-Ni
D. Cu-Pb-Sn

Answer 1

Hint: German silver is a type of copper alloy and it was originally named for its silver-white colour, but now the term silver is prohibited for the alloys not containing that metal. It is mostly used in plumbing fixtures, table wares, etc.

Complete answer:
-First of all, let us know about German silver, its chemical and physical properties and its uses in everyday life. So, German silver also known as nickel silver is an alloy whose main component is copper (Cu) with varying quantities of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) and rarely has trace amounts of lead and tin. The percentage of three elements varies a lot with copper having the highest percentage and zinc having the least.
-German silver is known for the characteristics such as toughness, hardness and corrosion resistance. From its name, it may be mistaken that one of its constituents is silver but it has that word in its name due to its silver white colour.
-German silver is widely used in table wares, fittings in spare parts of ship specially which remain under the sea, and plumbing fixtures due to its hardness, toughness and resistance to corrosion characteristics. While due to its high electrical resistance, is used in heating coils. Therefore, we can conclude that German silver contains Copper (Cu)-Zinc (Zn)-Nickel (Ni).

Hence, the correct option is C.

Note: When copper alloys such as German silver are prolonged reacted with acidic substances, leaching of copper occurs which further results in toxicity. Long term, low doses result in cirrhosis. Nickel may cause allergic reactions in some people, resulting in rashes that will not heal as long as the metal is in contact with the skin.