Question

Write the names of alloys of copper.

Answer 1

Hint: The term ‘alloy’ in chemistry is used to refer to the combination of metals or the combination of metals with one or more elements.
- The resulting combination or mixture forms a substance that has often different properties than that of the pure metals. These properties may be increased strength or hardness.

Complete step by step answer:
Copper alloys or alloys of copper are metal alloys which have copper as the principal constituent. Copper alloys are known to have high resistance against corrosion.
Some important alloys of copper are mentioned below.
- Brass is an alloy which consists of copper and zinc. The color of brass alloy is usually yellow. The brass alloys have a differing combination of properties which include strength, wear-resistance, ductility, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Bronze is an alloy of copper and mostly tin, but sometimes it may contain aluminium or silicon. Bell metal alloy is a bronze alloy of copper with a higher tin content. Aluminium bronzes are alloys having copper and aluminium and have higher strength and corrosion resistance than other bronzes.
- Copper-nickel alloy or cupronickel is an alloy consisting of copper and nickel with or without other elements. Even if other elements are present, nickel has the highest content after copper. These alloys have highly excellent marine corrosion resistance and low susceptibility to the attachment of marine microorganisms. The addition of nickel to copper improves the corrosion resistance and also the strength.
- Beryllium-copper alloy or copper beryllium is an alloy of copper consisting of about three percent of beryllium. It is an age-hardening alloy and is the hardest and strongest of any copper base alloy.

Note: Some uses and applications of the above mentioned copper alloys are:
- Because of the good resistance to corrosion, high malleability and acoustic properties of brass, it is used in the construction of various musical instruments like trombone, trumpet, baritone horn etc.
- Bronze alloy is used for casting sculptures, in the construction of musical instruments and also in making coins and medals.
- Copper nickel alloy is used in marine applications like shipbuilding and repair, power generation and also in the construction of seawater system components.
- Beryllium copper alloy is used in springs, load cells, spring wires and also in screwdrivers, wrenches, knives and hammers.