Question

German silver is a mixture of:
A.copper and zinc
B.copper and tin
C.copper, nickel and zinc
D.aluminium, copper and traces of Mg and Mn

Answer 1

Hint: We know that alloys are a combination of metals with other elements. Sometimes two metals are combined to form alloys and sometimes a metal and a non-metal is combined to form alloy. German silver is also an alloy.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss German silver alloy in detail. Another name of German silver is nickel silver. The constituents of German silver are copper, zinc and nickel. The percentage of copper is 60%, the percentage of zinc is 20% and the percentage of nickel is 20% in the alloy.

So, German silver is a mixture of copper, zinc and nickel.

Let’s discuss the reason for making alloys. The alloys are made to improve the properties of the metals. All metals are used as alloys because they have improved properties such as resistance to corrosion, hardness etc. than the pure metal. German silver is also known for its hardness, resistance to corrosion and toughness. The name ‘German Silver’ sometimes misleads people that it is one of the constituents of silver. But the word ‘silver’ in the name is given because of its silver-white people.

So, the correct answer is OptionC .

Note: The German Silver alloy does not lose its colour due to exposure to air or moisture like that of silver and its cost is also very less. It is often used to manufacture gift items because of its high luster (shining surface). It is also used to manufacture musical instruments, keys, zippers etc. Because of its high electrical resistance, it is used in heating coils.