Question

Introduction of carbon into a metallic lattice generally results in a harder, less ductile substance with lower electrical and thermal conductivities. Explain why this might be so.

Short answer

In summary, introducing carbon into a metallic lattice increases hardness and decreases ductility, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. This happens because carbon atoms occupy interstitial positions, disrupting the crystal structure and making it more difficult for dislocations to move. Furthermore, the presence of carbon scatters free electrons, reducing the lattice's ability to conduct electricity and heat efficiently.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

To explain why the introduction of carbon into a metallic lattice results in a harder, less ductile substance with lower electrical and thermal conductivities, we need to consider the atomic structure of the lattice, manner in which carbon occupies positions within the lattice, and the impact on electrons.

Atomic Structure and Carbon's Position in the Lattice

In a pure metallic lattice, metal atoms are arranged in a regular, closely-packed manner, forming a crystal structure. The metallic lattice is held together by metallic bonds, which consist of negatively charged electron clouds surrounding positively charged metal ions. When carbon is introduced to the metallic lattice, the carbon atoms occupy the interstitial positions between the metal atoms. This results in higher atomic packing and disrupts the original crystal structure.

Impact on Hardness and Ductility

The introduction of carbon into the lattice increases the lattice's hardness because the carbon atoms create obstacles that impede the movement of dislocations in the crystal structure. Dislocations are defects or irregularities in the crystal structure that allow the lattice to deform when subjected to stress. As carbon atoms occupy interstitial positions and create a more tightly packed atomic structure, it becomes more difficult for the dislocations to move. This increased resistance to dislocation movement makes the material harder and less ductile.

Impact on Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity in metals is due to the presence of free or delocalized electrons, which can freely move throughout the lattice and carry an electrical charge. Introducing carbon into the lattice disrupts the electron cloud, causing electrons to be scattered and reducing the overall ability of the lattice to conduct electricity. This scattered electron motion is relatively inefficient, resulting in lower electrical conductivity.

Impact on Thermal Conductivity

Similarly, introducing carbon into a metallic lattice also reduces thermal conductivity. Metallic thermal conductivity is largely due to the movement of free electrons, which can carry heat energy through the lattice. As we mentioned the introduction of carbon scatters electrons, this impedes the movement of free electrons and consequently decreases the overall thermal conductivity of the material. In conclusion, the introduction of carbon into the metallic lattice leads to an increase in hardness and a decrease in ductility, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity because carbon atoms disrupt the regular crystal structure, hinder dislocation movement, and scatter free electrons.