IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Metals

Alloys: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Alloys questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Metals. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Alloys practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Why is an alloy such as brass harder than the pure metals it is made from?

  1. A The atoms are held by covalent bonds.
  2. B The different-sized atoms disrupt the layers, so they cannot slide easily.
  3. C The atoms of the alloy are all smaller than those of the pure metals.
  4. D The alloy contains no delocalised electrons.
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Brass is used for musical instruments.
Which metals are in brass?

  1. A copper and tin
  2. B aluminium and copper
  3. C iron and carbon
  4. D copper and zinc
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“A mixture of a metal with other elements, such as brass (copper and zinc).”

  1. A alloy
  2. B filtrate
  3. C halogens
  4. D halogen displacement
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 4Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

Solder is an alloy used to join electrical components.

(a)

Suggest one property that makes solder suitable.

[1]
(b)

Explain why a pure metal is more malleable than its alloy.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)low melting point
low melting point (and conducts electricity) B1
1
(b)layers slide easily
in a pure metal all atoms are the same size B1
layers can slide easily over each other B1
2
Question 5Structured · 5 marks

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Steel is an alloy of iron.

(a)

Define an alloy.

[1]
(b)

Explain, in terms of structure, why alloys are harder than pure metals.

[2]
(c)

Give a use of stainless steel and the property that makes it suitable.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)mixture of metal with other elements
a mixture of a metal with other elements (usually metals) B1
1
(b)different sized atoms stop layers sliding
different-sized atoms disrupt the regular layers B1
the layers cannot slide over each other easily B1
2
(c)cutlery; resists corrosion
cutlery/surgical instruments B1
resistant to rusting B1
2
Question 6Structured · 5 marks

Steel is an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements.

(a)

Describe how the properties of mild steel and high-carbon steel differ.

[2]
(b)

Name the elements added to iron to make stainless steel.

[2]
(c)

Draw/describe the arrangement of atoms in an alloy.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)mild: soft, malleable; high-carbon: hard, brittle
mild steel is softer and more malleable B1
high-carbon steel is harder but more brittle B1
2
(b)chromium and nickel
chromium B1
nickel B1
2
(c)different-sized atoms disrupting layers
atoms of different sizes among the metal atoms, disrupting the regular layers B1
1

More Metals questions

Properties & uses of metalsReactivity seriesCorrosionExtraction of metals

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in