In metallurgy, which pair of metals are the main components of the alloy known as bronze?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Copper and Tin

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is from basic chemistry and metallurgy. Bronze and brass are two important alloys that students are expected to distinguish. Bronze has been used since ancient times for tools, weapons, and statues. Knowing its main components is a common exam point.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The options list different pairs of metals.
  • Bronze and brass are well known alloys with specific compositions.
  • The question asks about the main components of bronze, not brass.


Concept / Approach:
Bronze is an alloy primarily made of copper and tin. In contrast, brass is mainly copper and zinc. Therefore the pair that correctly describes bronze must be copper and tin. The other listed pairs either describe brass or other less common alloys.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall the composition of bronze. It is mainly copper with a smaller amount of tin. Step 2: Recall the composition of brass. It is mainly copper with zinc as the second metal. Step 3: Examine option a, copper and zinc. This matches brass, not bronze, so it is incorrect for this question. Step 4: Examine option b, copper and tin. This is the classic composition of bronze, so it matches the requirement. Step 5: Examine option c, zinc and nickel. This combination does not refer to bronze and is not a standard school level example. Step 6: Examine option d, aluminium and nickel. Again, this does not describe bronze in school level chemistry. Step 7: Therefore, copper and tin is the correct pair for bronze.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick look at any chemistry textbook chapter on metals and alloys lists bronze as an alloy of copper and tin. It often appears together with brass, which is copper and zinc. This repeated pairing in textbooks confirms that copper and tin is the correct answer for bronze.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Copper and zinc is wrong because it describes brass, not bronze.
  • Zinc and nickel is wrong because it is not the standard composition of bronze.
  • Aluminium and nickel is wrong because this combination is not the traditional definition of bronze used in school level science.


Common Pitfalls:
The common confusion is between bronze and brass, since both names start with the letter b and both involve copper. To avoid mixing them, remember a simple rule: bronze equals copper plus tin, while brass equals copper plus zinc. Associating tin with bronze in your memory can help you select the right option quickly.


Final Answer:
Copper and Tin

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