CAIE IGCSE Chemistry Alloy Hardness and Atomic Layers
Practise explaining alloy hardness and strength using differently sized atoms that disrupt regular metal layers and make sliding more difficult.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Chemistry 0620
Exam points
- state that an alloy contains atoms of different sizes within the metal lattice
- explain that the distorted layers cannot slide past one another as easily as in a pure metal
- link more difficult layer movement to greater hardness, strength and reduced malleability
9.3.5—Alloys can be harder/stronger than question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
This question is about iron.
Most iron is converted into steel. Steel is an alloy.
Steel is more useful than pure iron because it is harder and stronger.
Explain why the structure of alloys causes them to be harder and stronger than pure metals.
You may include a diagram as part of your answer.
M1 atoms have different sizes (1)
M2 layers cannot slide over or past each other (1)
All question bank results loaded