Alloys — composition of German silver (nickel silver) German silver, used for decorative and electrical hardware, is an alloy composed of:

Introduction / Context:
Despite its name, “German silver” (also called nickel silver) contains no elemental silver. It is valued for its silvery appearance, corrosion resistance, and reasonable strength, making it suitable for cutlery, musical instruments, and decorative fittings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical composition ranges: copper as the base, with significant nickel and zinc.
• Applications emphasize appearance and tarnish resistance rather than high structural strength.

Concept / Approach:
Adding nickel to a copper–zinc matrix lightens the color toward a silvery sheen and improves corrosion resistance. The absence of precious-metal silver is the key point to remember.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standards (e.g., UNS designations for nickel silver) list compositions like Cu 60–65%, Ni 10–20%, remainder Zn, with no Ag.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Options with silver or gold (B/E) are incorrect; the alloy contains no precious metals.
• “Copper, brass, and zinc” (D) is inconsistent; brass itself is copper–zinc.
• “Zinc, lead, and nickel” (A) omits copper, the principal constituent.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the name implies silver content; it refers to appearance only. Do not specify where high conductivity like pure copper is required, as nickel reduces electrical conductivity.

Final Answer: