Question

Given the composition of brass.

Answer 1

Hint: Brass is known to be a substitutional alloy. The atoms of its constituents may replace each other within the same crystal structure. The composition of brass may according to its usage.

Complete step by step answer:
Brass is an alloy consisting primarily of copper and zinc. The proportions of these elements can be varied to achieve varying mechanical and electrical properties. It commonly contains lead and may include iron, manganese, aluminium, silicon, or other elements. The different types of brasses have different proportions of zinc and copper. It is given below:
Alpha brasses: Cu > 65% and Zn < 35%
Alpha-beta brasses: Cu 55-65% and Zn 35-45%
Beta brasses: Cu 50-55% and Zn 45-50%
Gamma brasses: Cu 61-67% and Zn 33-39%
White brass: Cu < 50% and Zn > 50%
Lead commonly added to brass at a concentration of 2%. The addition of lead improves the machinability of brass.

Following are some of the properties of brass:
-It has a gold appearance, but it can also be reddish-gold or can be silvery-white.
-It has high malleability.
-Brass has acoustic properties that are useful in musical instruments.
-It exhibits low friction.
-The alloy brass has a relatively low melting point.
-Brass is a good conductor of heat.
-It shows a resistance to corrosion.
-Brass is not ferromagnetic.

Note: Brass and bronze can seem similar in appearances, but they are two different alloys. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, whereas bronze is an alloy of copper but sometimes tin is added as an additive. Brass is golden, reddish gold or silver in color. But, bronze is reddish brown in color and not as bright as brass.