Question

The percentage of silver in German silver is:
A. 2.0%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. Zero

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve this question one must know about alloy. An alloy is a mixture or compound made up of many metals. Alloy may be made up of one or more elements also. Example of an alloy is when gold is mixed with silver to form white gold. Or steel is the most popular type of alloy and widely used. Here the name German Silver does not provide us with any information about its composition.

Complete step by step solution:
Nickel silver is also known as German silver because nickel silver has a silvery appearance and does not contain any amount of silver in it.
It is generally composed of 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc. It may also contain traces of tin and lead.
It is used in the manufacture of zippers, better-quality keys, costume jewellery, for making musical instruments. And also widely used in the manufacture of coins.
Its benefits include that it provides corrosion resistance, toughness and hardness.
The alloy does not tarnish like silver and costs much less. Due to its high lustre, it is used for manufacturing gift items
So German silver contains zero percent of silver in it. Hence the correct option is (D).

Note: Sometimes German silver is often confused with Sterling silver. Unlike German silver, Sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver by weight and 7.5% other metals by weight, which is usually copper.