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 slightly distort the crystal structure, 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 interstitial sites, they can prevent the atoms in the crystal structure from slipping past one another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three explanations (I, II, and III) correctly describe mechanisms by which alloys can be harder than the pure metals they are made from. Each mechanism involves a disruption or distortion of the crystal lattice, which impedes the movement of atoms and increases the material's hardness.

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