Chemistry · General Awareness

Chemistry of Metals and Alloys

1,762 Questions

Review the physical and chemical properties of various metals and their common alloys. This collection covers industrial applications, metallurgical processes, and practical uses of elements like silicon and boron. Practice these questions to strengthen your chemistry fundamentals for exams.

Properties of metalsCommon alloysIndustrial metallurgyChemical applications

Chemistry of Metals and Alloys Questions

Multiple choice

The metal ingredients in Prince’s metal are ___________________.

  1. Cu, Zn, Sn, Fe

  2. Cu, Zn, Mn

  3. Cu, Zn, Sn

  4. Cu, Zn, Al, Sn

  5. Cu, Zn
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Prince’s metal is a type of alpha brass. Due to its yellow color, it is used as an imitation of gold. Also called Prince Rupert's metal, the alloy was named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine. The composition of prince’s metal contains 75% copper and 25% zinc.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements are false?

  1. 18-Carat gold consists of Au 58%, Cu 12 – 28% and Ag 4 – 30%.
  2. Sterling-S alloy contains Ag 82.5% and Cu 17.5%.
  3. Naval brass is composed of Cu 60%, Zn 39.25% and Sn 0.75%.
  4. Dow’s metal consists of 93.8% Mg, 6% Al and 0.2% Mn.

  1. 1, 2

  2. 2, 3

  3. 3, 4

  4. 1, 2, 3

  5. 2, 3, 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  1. 18-Carat gold contains Au 75%, Ag 10 – 20% and Cu 5 – 15%.     14-carat gold consists of Au 58%, Cu 12 – 28% and Ag 4 – 30%.
    1. Sterling-S (sterling silver) alloy is composed of Ag 92.5% and Cu 7.5%.
    2. The composition of Naval brass is Cu 60%, Zn 39.25% and Sn 0.75%.
    3. Dow’s metal is composed of 93.8% Mg, 6% Al and 0.2% Mn. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are false.
Multiple choice

Why do we use gold for making jewellery?

  1. Because it is less reactive

  2. Because it is highly reactive

  3. Because of has low density

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Gold's low chemical reactivity makes it ideal for jewellery because it doesn't tarnish, corrode, or react with skin and atmospheric elements. Highly reactive metals would corrode quickly, and while gold does have high density (not low as option C suggests), its primary advantage for jewellery is its inertness. This property of being noble and unreactive is why gold has been used for jewellery for millennia.

Multiple choice

Which of the following alloys does not contain zinc?

  1. Muntz metal

  2. Dutch metal

  3. Gilding metal

  4. Bell metal

  5. Gunmetal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Bell metal is a hard alloy used for making bells and related instruments. It is a form of bronze, usually approximately 4:1 ratio of copper to tin (78% copper, 22% tin). 

Multiple choice

The metal used to make lightning conductors is

  1. iron

  2. aluminium

  3. copper

  4. zinc
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Copper is the standard material for lightning conductors due to its excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. While aluminum is conductive, copper offers better performance and longevity for this specific application.