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Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry 2.27C Why alloys are harder than pure metals

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry 2.27C Why alloys are harder than pure metals
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry syllabusChemistry 4CH1First assessment 2019

Practise explaining alloy hardness from particle diagrams, linking different-sized atoms to disrupted layers and reduced sliding.

How this is tested

  • use alloy structure diagrams to compare regular metal layers with distorted arrangements
  • explain that different-sized atoms disrupt layers, making particle sliding more difficult

Question 3(c)

[Maximum number: 3]

This question is about aluminium.

The diagram represents the structure of pure aluminium, and the structure of an alloy of aluminium.

Pure aluminium

Pure aluminium

Alloy of aluminium

Alloy of aluminium

Use the diagram to explain why the alloy is harder than pure aluminium.