When a metal is converted to an alloy by mixing a small amount of a different element, several physical properties of the metal change. For example:
- F2Electrical ConductivityF2: The electrical conductivity of a metal typically decreases when it is turned into an alloy. This happens because the atoms of the added element create irregularities in the atomic structure, which disrupt the free flow of electrons necessary for conduction.
- F2Melting PointF2: The melting point of an alloy often differs from the melting points of the constituent metals. Typically, alloys have a F2lower melting pointF2 than their pure components, especially if the alloy formation creates a new crystalline structure that requires less energy to break.