Question 55 of 513
Brass and bronze are both metallic alloys. Which of the following constituents is common to both alloys?
- A. Tin
- B. Zinc
- C. Copper
- D. Lead
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
The correct option is **C. Copper**.
### Detailed Explanation:
1. **Understanding Alloys**:
- An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one of the elements is a metal. Alloys are created to enhance certain properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, and malleability.
2. **Composition of Brass**:
- Brass is primarily an alloy of copper and zinc. The typical composition of brass can vary, but it usually contains about 55% to 95% copper and the remainder is zinc. The addition of zinc to copper improves its strength and corrosion resistance.
3. **Composition of Bronze**:
- Bronze is primarily an alloy of copper and tin. The typical composition of bronze can vary as well, but it usually contains about 60% to 90% copper and the remainder is tin. The addition of tin to copper enhances its hardness and resistance to corrosion.
4. **Common Constituent**:
- Both brass and bronze contain copper as a major component. In brass, copper is the primary metal, while in bronze, copper is also the primary metal, albeit combined with tin instead of zinc.
### Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
- **A. Tin**:
- Tin is a significant component of bronze but is not found in brass. Therefore, it cannot be a common constituent of both alloys.
- **B. Zinc**:
- Zinc is a major component of brass but is not present in bronze. Thus, it cannot be a common constituent of both alloys.
- **D. Lead**:
- Lead is not a primary component of either brass or bronze. While lead can be added to some brass alloys to improve machinability, it is not a standard constituent of either alloy. Therefore, it cannot be considered common to both.
### Summary of Key Points:
- **Brass** is primarily an alloy of **copper and zinc**.
- **Bronze** is primarily an alloy of **copper and tin**.
- The common constituent in both brass and bronze is **copper**.
- Other options (tin, zinc, lead) are not common to both alloys.
### Revision Summary:
- Brass = Copper + Zinc
- Bronze = Copper + Tin
- Common metal in both alloys = Copper
- Tin, Zinc, and Lead are not common to both alloys.