Metal and their Compounds | Jamb Chemistry
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Table of Contents
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Jamb chemistry key points on General properties of metals; Alkali metals e.g. sodium
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General Properties of Metals
- Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity due to free electrons.
- Most metals have high melting and boiling points.
- Metals are malleable; they can be hammered into thin sheets.
- They are ductile, meaning they can be drawn into wires.
- Metals are lustrous (shiny) when freshly cut or polished.
- They are sonorous, producing a ringing sound when struck.
- Metals are typically solid at room temperature, except mercury.
- Metals have high densities, though alkali metals have lower densities.
- Metals form cations by losing electrons, making them electropositive.
- They react with oxygen to form basic oxides.
- Metals displace hydrogen from dilute acids to form salts and hydrogen gas.
- Most metals form alloys with other metals or non-metals.
- Metals are strong and have high tensile strength.
- They form ionic bonds with non-metals due to their low electronegativity.
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Alkali Metals: Sodium
- Alkali metals are highly reactive and soft, with low melting points.
- Sodium is a silvery-white, soft metal that can be cut with a knife.
- It is stored under oil because it reacts with moisture and oxygen.
- Sodium reacts vigorously with water, forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen:
paragraph - Sodium burns with a yellow flame in air, forming sodium oxide:
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- Sodium reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride ().
- Sodium compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium chloride, are industrially important.
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Production of Sodium Hydroxide by Electrolysis of Brine
- Sodium hydroxide () is produced by the electrolysis of brine ( solution).
- In the process, brine is electrolyzed in a diaphragm cell.
- At the cathode, hydrogen gas is produced:
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- At the anode, chlorine gas is liberated:
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- Sodium ions remain in solution and combine with hydroxide ions to form sodium hydroxide:
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- The by-products are hydrogen and chlorine gases.
- The resulting solution is concentrated to obtain solid .
- Sodium hydroxide is widely used in soap making and paper production.
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Action of Sodium Hydroxide on Aluminium, Zinc, and Lead Ions
- Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminium ions to form a white precipitate of aluminium hydroxide:
paragraph - The precipitate dissolves in excess , forming a soluble aluminate complex:
paragraph - Zinc ions react with to form a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide:
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- Zinc hydroxide dissolves in excess :
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- Lead(II) hydroxide does not dissolve in excess sodium hydroxide.
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Precipitation of Metallic Hydroxides
- Sodium hydroxide is used to test for metal ions via precipitation reactions.
- Iron(II) ions form a green precipitate of iron(II) hydroxide:
paragraph - Iron(III) ions form a reddish-brown precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide:
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- Copper(II) ions form a blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide:
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Sodium Trioxocarbonate(IV) and Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate(IV)
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Production of Sodium Trioxocarbonate(IV)
- Sodium trioxocarbonate(IV) () is produced via the Solvay process.
- In this process, ammonia and carbon dioxide react with sodium chloride:
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- Sodium bicarbonate () is heated to form sodium carbonate:
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Properties of Sodium Carbonates
- Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline solid soluble in water.
- It forms an alkaline solution in water.
- Sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate(IV) () is a weak base and decomposes on heating:
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Sodium Carbonate in the Manufacture of Glass
- Sodium carbonate is a key raw material in glass production.
- It reduces the melting point of silica ().
- It reacts with silica to form sodium silicate:
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- Calcium carbonate is added to improve glass strength and durability.
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Occurrence in Sea Water
- Sodium chloride () occurs naturally in sea water, salt lakes, and rock salt.
- It constitutes about 2.7% of sea water by mass.
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Uses of Sodium Chloride
- It is used as table salt for seasoning food.
- Sodium chloride is used in the electrolysis process to produce sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and hydrogen.
- It is used in the production of soda ash () via the Solvay process.
- Sodium chloride is spread on roads to melt ice during winter.
- It is used in the preservation of food (e.g., fish and meat).
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Importance of Sea Water
- Sea water is a major source of common salt ().
- It contains dissolved minerals such as magnesium, bromine, and iodine.
- Sea water supports the fishing industry, providing food and employment.
- It is a source of desalinated water for drinking and agriculture.
- Sea water supports marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
- It contributes to tourism and recreational activities.
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Recovery of Sodium Chloride
- Sodium chloride is recovered from sea water through solar evaporation.
- Sea water is collected in shallow evaporation ponds.
- Sunlight evaporates the water, leaving behind crystalline salt.
- Impurities are removed through washing and refining.
- Recovered salt is used for industrial and domestic purposes.
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Summary
- Metals have common physical and chemical properties such as malleability and conductivity.
- Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal with industrial significance.
- Sodium hydroxide is produced via the electrolysis of brine.
- Sodium hydroxide reacts differently with aluminium, zinc, and lead ions.
- Sodium carbonate and bicarbonate are essential industrial chemicals.
- Sodium carbonate is crucial in glass manufacturing.
- Sodium chloride is abundant in sea water and has wide industrial and domestic uses.
- Sea water provides economic benefits through salt production, fishing, and desalination.
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Jamb chemistry Key points on Alkaline-earth metals; Aluminium; Tin
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Alkaline-Earth Metals: Calcium
- Calcium is an alkaline-earth metal found in Group 2 of the periodic table.
- It is a reactive, silvery-white metal that forms a protective oxide coating in air.
- Calcium has a relatively low density (1.55 g/cm³).
- It reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
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- Calcium reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide:
paragraph - Calcium is essential for biological processes, including bone and teeth formation.
- It forms ionic compounds, e.g., calcium chloride () and calcium trioxocarbonate(IV) ().
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Calcium Oxide, Calcium Hydroxide, and Calcium Trioxocarbonate(IV)
- *Calcium oxide ( is commonly known as quicklime.
- It is produced by heating calcium carbonate:
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- Calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide ():
paragraph - Calcium hydroxide (), or slaked lime, is a white, alkaline powder.
- It is sparingly soluble in water to form limewater.
- Limewater turns milky when exposed to carbon dioxide:
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- Calcium trioxocarbonate(IV) () occurs naturally as limestone, chalk, and marble.
- It is insoluble in water but reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide:
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Properties and Uses of Calcium Hydroxide and Calcium Trioxocarbonate(IV)
- Calcium hydroxide is used in neutralizing acidic soils in agriculture.
- It is used in water treatment to remove impurities.
- Calcium hydroxide is used in the production of mortar and whitewash.
- Calcium trioxocarbonate(IV) is a raw material for cement production.
- It is used in the manufacture of lime, glass, and quicklime.
- Calcium carbonate is an antacid for treating indigestion.
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Preparation of Calcium Oxide from Sea Shells
- Sea shells are rich in calcium carbonate ().
- They are heated in a kiln to decompose calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide:
paragraph - The calcium oxide (quicklime) is collected and used in industries.
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Chemical Composition of Cement and the Setting of Mortar
- Cement is made by heating limestone () and clay to produce clinker.
- Clinker contains compounds like tricalcium silicate () and dicalcium silicate ().
- Gypsum () is added to control the setting time.
- When cement is mixed with water, hydration occurs, forming a hard solid.
- Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water.
- The setting of mortar involves the hardening of hydrated calcium silicates.
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Test for Calcium ions
- Calcium ions form a white precipitate with sodium hydroxide:
paragraph - Calcium ions give a brick-red flame in a flame test.
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Aluminium
- Aluminium is a lightweight, silvery-white metal found in Group 13 of the periodic table.
- It has a low density (2.7 g/cm³) and is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
- It resists corrosion due to the formation of a thin oxide layer.
- Aluminium is amphoteric, reacting with both acids and bases:
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Purification of Bauxite
- Bauxite () is the main ore of aluminium.
- Impurities like iron oxides and silica are removed by the Bayer process.
- Bauxite is digested with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution.
- Aluminium oxide dissolves, leaving impurities as red mud.
- The solution is filtered, and aluminium hydroxide is precipitated by cooling.
- Aluminium hydroxide is calcined (heated) to produce pure aluminium oxide ().
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Electrolytic Extraction of Aluminium
- Aluminium is extracted by the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide dissolved in cryolite.
- The process occurs in a steel tank lined with carbon (cathode).
- At the cathode, aluminium is deposited:
paragraph - At the anode, oxygen gas is released, which reacts with carbon electrodes:
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- Cryolite lowers the melting point of aluminium oxide and improves conductivity.
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Properties and Uses of Aluminium
- Aluminium is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
- It is used in making aircraft, cars, and packaging materials (e.g., foil).
- It is used in power lines due to its electrical conductivity.
- Aluminium alloys, like duralumin, are used in construction.
- Aluminium oxide is used as an abrasive and in ceramics.
- Aluminium hydroxide is used in antacids and water purification.
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Test for Aluminium ions
- Aluminium ions form a white precipitate with sodium hydroxide:
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- The precipitate dissolves in excess :
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Tin
- Tin is a soft, silvery-white metal found in Group 14 of the periodic table.
- It has a low melting point (232°C) and resists corrosion.
- Tin exists in two allotropes: white tin (stable) and grey tin (unstable at low temperatures).
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Extraction of Tin from Its Ores
- The main ore of tin is cassiterite ().
- The ore is first concentrated by washing and gravity separation.
- The concentrated ore is roasted to remove impurities like sulfur and arsenic.
- Tin(IV) oxide is reduced with carbon in a furnace:
paragraph - Impurities are removed by liquation or electrolytic refining.
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Properties and Uses of Tin
- Tin is malleable, ductile, and resistant to corrosion.
- It is used to coat steel to prevent rusting (tin plating).
- Tin alloys, like bronze (tin and copper), are used in statues and tools.
- Tin is used in soldering as part of soft solder (tin and lead).
- It is used in food cans due to its non-toxic nature.
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Summary
- Calcium is an essential alkaline-earth metal with industrial uses in lime and cement production.
- Calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate have versatile applications.
- Bauxite is the primary source of aluminium, extracted via electrolysis.
- Aluminium is widely used due to its strength, lightness, and conductivity.
- Tin is extracted from cassiterite and used in coating, alloys, and soldering.
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Jamb chemistry Key points on Metals of the first transition series; Iron
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General Introduction to the First Transition Series
- The first transition series consists of elements with atomic numbers 21 to 30: and .
- These elements have partially filled -orbitals, which give them unique properties.
- They are located in Period 4 and the -block of the periodic table.
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Characteristic Properties of Electron Configuration
- Transition metals have electron configurations involving the filling of -orbitals.
- General configuration: .
- Scandium () has the simplest configuration: .
- Zinc () has a completely filled -orbital: .
- Electron configurations often exhibit exceptions due to extra stability of half-filled and fully filled -subshells.
- Example: Chromium () has instead of .
- Copper () has instead of .
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Characteristic Properties of Oxidation States
- Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states due to the availability of and electrons for bonding.
- The oxidation states increase across the series and then decrease.
- Scandium () exhibits only +3 oxidation state.
- Vanadium () exhibits oxidation states +2, +3, +4, and +5.
- Manganese () shows oxidation states from +2 to +7.
- Iron () commonly shows +2 and +3 oxidation states.
- Copper () exhibits +1 and +2 oxidation states.
- Zinc () shows only the +2 oxidation state due to a filled -orbital.
- Higher oxidation states are often stabilized in oxides or fluorides.
- Lower oxidation states tend to form ionic compounds, while higher ones form covalent compounds.
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Characteristic Properties of Complex Ion Formation
- Transition metals readily form complex ions due to small size and high charge density.
- Complex ions contain a central metal ion surrounded by ligands.
- Ligands donate lone pairs of electrons to form coordinate covalent bonds.
- Examples of ligands: and .
- Iron forms complexes such as and .
- Copper forms the complex ion with ammonia.
- Coordination numbers (number of ligands) are commonly 4 or 6 for transition metals.
- Complex ion formation stabilizes metal ions in solutions.
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Characteristic Properties of Formation of Coloured Ions
- Transition metals form coloured compounds due to electron transitions.
- Electrons absorb visible light to move between split -orbitals.
- The colour depends on the energy gap between the split -orbitals.
- ions are pale green, while ions are yellow-brown.
- ions are blue in aqueous solution.
- ions are green, and ions are pink.
- Colour intensity increases with increasing oxidation state.
- Zinc and scandium ions are colourless due to fully filled or empty -orbitals.
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Characteristic Properties of Catalysis
- Transition metals and their compounds act as catalysts in many reactions.
- They provide a surface for reactants to adsorb and react.
- Transition metals can change oxidation states, providing alternative reaction pathways.
- Iron acts as a catalyst in the Haber process for ammonia production:
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- Vanadium(V) oxide () catalyzes the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide in the Contact process:
paragraph - Nickel acts as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils.
- Manganese(IV) oxide catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide:
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Iron
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Extraction of Iron
- Iron is extracted from its oxides, primarily hematite () and magnetite ().
- Iron sulfide () is roasted to produce iron oxide:
paragraph - Hematite is reduced in a blast furnace using carbon and carbon monoxide.
- The main reactions in the blast furnace are:
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- Limestone () is added to remove impurities, forming slag:
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Different Forms of Iron and Their Properties
- Pig iron: High carbon content (4-5%), brittle and hard.
- Cast iron: Slightly less carbon than pig iron, used for engine blocks.
- Wrought iron: Low carbon content (less than0.1%), malleable and tough.
- Steel: An alloy of iron with controlled carbon content (less than 2%).
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Advantages of Steel Over Iron
- Steel is stronger and more durable than pure iron.
- It is less brittle compared to cast iron.
- Steel can be alloyed with other elements to enhance properties (e.g., stainless steel).
- Steel resists corrosion better than untreated iron.
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**Test for Ferrous ions and Ferric ions
- Test for : Add sodium hydroxide; a green precipitate of forms:
paragraph - The precipitate turns brown in air due to oxidation to .
- Test for : Add sodium hydroxide; a brown precipitate of forms:
paragraph - ions react with potassium thiocyanate to form a blood-red solution:
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Summary
- The first transition series consists of elements with unique properties due to partially filled -orbitals.
- They show variable oxidation states, form complex ions, and are coloured.
- Transition metals, such as iron, play critical roles as catalysts and industrial metals.
- The extraction of iron involves reducing its oxides in a blast furnace.
- Steel, an alloy of iron, has superior properties compared to pure iron.
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Jamb chemistry Key points on copper and alloy
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Copper (General Information)
- Copper is a reddish-brown, soft, malleable, and ductile metal.
- It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
- Copper has the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29.
- It is found in nature in the form of ores and native copper.
- Copper does not corrode easily; it forms a green patina (copper carbonate) when exposed to air for long periods.
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Extraction of Copper from Sulphide Ores
- The most common copper sulphide ore is chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂).
- The extraction process involves froth flotation, roasting, smelting, and electrolytic refining.
- In roasting, sulphide ores are heated in air to convert them into oxides and release sulfur dioxide gas.
- 2CuFeS₂ + O₂ → Cu₂S + 2FeO + SO₂.
- The copper(I) sulphide (Cu₂S) is then smelted to form impure copper (blister copper).
- Impure copper is purified using electrolysis, where pure copper is deposited on the cathode.
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Extraction of Copper from Oxide Ores
- Oxide ores include cuprite (Cu₂O).
- Oxide ores are reduced by heating with carbon (coke) in a furnace:
- Cu₂O + C → 2Cu + CO.
- Alternatively, oxide ores can undergo leaching with sulfuric acid to form copper(II) sulfate, followed by electrowinning.
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Properties of Copper
- Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, second only to silver.
- It is malleable (can be beaten into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
- Copper is resistant to corrosion, making it durable for long-term use.
- It has a melting point of 1085°C and a boiling point of 2562°C.
- Copper is non-magnetic and has antimicrobial properties.
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Uses of Copper
- Copper is used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity.
- It is used in making pipes and fittings in plumbing.
- Copper is used in coinage for making coins.
- It is a key material in heat exchangers and cooling systems.
- Copper is used in cookware because of its good heat conductivity.
- It is essential in the production of alloys like brass and bronze.
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Preparation and Uses of Copper(II) Tetraoxosulphate (VI)
- Copper(II) tetraoxosulphate(VI) or copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) is prepared by reacting copper oxide or copper carbonate with sulfuric acid:
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- CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O.
- It is a blue crystalline solid (pentahydrate form: CuSO₄·5H₂O).
- Copper sulfate is used as an agricultural fungicide.
- It is used in electroplating copper onto surfaces.
- It is used in school laboratories for chemical tests and experiments.
- Copper sulfate is used in the dyeing and printing of textiles.
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Test for Cupric cation
- Add aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to a solution containing Cu²⁺ ions. A blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide is formed:
- Cu²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Cu(OH)₂ (blue ppt).
- Add aqueous ammonia dropwise to a solution with Cu²⁺. Initially, a blue precipitate forms, which dissolves in excess ammonia to give a deep blue solution.
- Copper compounds also exhibit a characteristic blue-green flame test.
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Alloy and Its Importance
- An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or a metal with a non-metal.
- Alloys improve properties like strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and hardness compared to pure metals.
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Steel and Stainless Steel
- Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon; it is stronger and harder than pure iron.
- Stainless steel contains iron, chromium, and nickel, making it resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Stainless steel is used in cutlery, medical instruments, and construction.
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Brass
- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
- It is resistant to corrosion and has a golden color, making it suitable for decorative items.
- Brass is used in musical instruments, plumbing fittings, and locks.
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Bronze
- Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
- It is harder and more corrosion-resistant than copper.
- Bronze is used for statues, coins, and machine parts.
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-Metal
- Type-metal is a lead-based alloy containing antimony and tin.
- It is used in printing presses because it hardens quickly and retains fine details.
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Duralumin
- Duralumin is an alloy of aluminum, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
- It is lightweight and strong, making it suitable for aircraft bodies and automobile parts.
paragraph###Soft Solder**
- Soft solder is an alloy of lead and tin.
- It is used for joining metals in electronics and plumbing because it has a low melting point.
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Permalloy
- Permalloy is an alloy of nickel and iron.
- It is highly magnetic and used in transformers and magnetic shielding.
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Comparing Alloys to Pure Metals
- Alloys are stronger and harder than pure metals.
- Alloys often have improved corrosion resistance.
- Alloys can be tailored for specific applications, e.g., stainless steel for rust resistance.
- Pure metals like copper and iron are often too soft or reactive for practical use.
- Adding elements in alloys enhances properties like ductility, toughness, or conductivity.
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This is all we can take on "Jamb Chemistry Key Points on Metals and their Compounds"
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