In a two-component alloy,the more abundant metal can be thought of as the solvent while the less abundant metal can be thought of as the solute.Which of the following is an explanation of why an alloy is often harder than either of the pure elements?
I.In a homogenous substitutional alloy,the solute atoms distort the crystal structure a bit,making it hard for atoms to slip past one another.
II.In a heterogeneous alloy,small regions rich in the solute atom can disrupt the crystal lattice,making it hard for atoms to slip past one another.
III.When solute atoms occupy interstices,they can prevent the atoms in the crystal structure from slipping past one another.

Question

In a two-component alloy,the more abundant metal can be thought of as the solvent while the less abundant metal can be thought of as the solute.Which of the following is an explanation of why an alloy is often harder than either of the pure elements? 
I.In a homogenous substitutional alloy,the solute atoms distort the crystal structure a bit,making it hard for atoms to slip past one another.
II.In a heterogeneous alloy,small regions rich in the solute atom can disrupt the crystal lattice,making it hard for atoms to slip past one another.
III.When solute atoms occupy interstices,they can prevent the atoms in the crystal structure from slipping past one another.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The explanation for why an alloy is often harder than either of the pure elements can involve any of the three options listed. In a homogeneous substitutional alloy, the solute atoms distort the crystal structure, making it hard for atoms to slip past one another (Option I). In a heterogeneous alloy, small regions rich in the solute atom can disrupt the crystal lattice, making it hard for atoms to slip past one another (Option II). Also, when solute atoms occupy interstices, they can prevent the atoms in the crystal structure from slipping past one another (Option III). Therefore, any of the options may apply, and the best choice is E, which includes all three options.

In a Two-Component Alloy,the More Abundant Metal Can Be Thought