CAIE IGCSE Chemistry 9.3 Alloys & their properties Question Bank

Practise defining alloys, reading alloy structure diagrams, and linking steel, brass and stainless steel properties to their uses.

Exam points

distinguish alloys from compounds or pure metals using composition and particle diagrams
explain hardness in alloys by different-sized atoms stopping layers sliding
use tables on carbon percentage or stainless steel to match properties with suitable uses

Covered syllabus points

9.3.1—An alloy as a mixture of a metal with 9.3.2—Alloys can be harder and stronger than 9.3.3—Uses of alloys in terms of their 9.3.4—Representations of alloys from 9.3.5—Alloys can be harder/stronger than

[Maximum number: 2]

Some elements are shown in the order they appear in the reactivity series. The most reactive element is at the top.
> sodium calcium magnesium aluminium zinc iron hydrogen copper

(a)

Answer the questions using the list of elements. Each element may be used once, more than once or not at all.

Identify:

[ 2 ]

(i)

the main component of steel

[ 1 ]

(ii)

a metal found in brass

[ 1 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

Gallium is a metallic element in Group III. It has similar properties to aluminium.

Alloys of gallium and other elements are often more useful than the metallic element itself. Suggest two reasons why alloys of gallium are more useful than the metallic element.

[Maximum number: 1]

Which statement about metals and their uses is correct?

Aluminium is used in the manufacture of aircraft because it has a high density.

Copper is used to make cooking utensils because it is a poor conductor of heat.

Mild steel is used to make car bodies because it is brittle and breaks easily.

Stainless steel is used to make cutlery because it is resistant to corrosion.

All question bank results loaded

Covered syllabus points

9.3 Alloys and their properties question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

9.3 Alloys and their properties question 2

9.3 Alloys and their properties question 3