Question

When tin is added to copper, the resulting alloy (bronze) is much harder than copper. Explain.

Short answer

An alloy is formed when two or more metals are mixed in a certain proportion.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

Bronzeis analloy of copper and 12% tin and other elementssuch as aluminium, arsenic, manganese, phosphorus, and silicon.

Adding tin with copper  

Avariety of sized atoms make up Alloys.Thismeans the layers of anatom cannot slide over each other easily.

The atoms of elements present in bronze other than copper prevent the layer of copper atoms to slide over each other, thus making bronze metals harder, less malleable, and ductile than copper.

Atoms can easily slide over one another in pure metal.

Alloy – The presence of other atoms prevents the atoms of metal slide over each other