Question

Which of the following is a ferrous alloy? (a) German silver (b) Gun metal (c) Nichrome (d) Devarda's alloy

Short answer

The ferrous alloy is Nichrome.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Ferrous Components

The first step is to understand what a ferrous alloy is. A ferrous alloy contains iron as a major component. Therefore, identify which of the given options contains iron.

Examining the Options

Look at each option to find out its main constituents: - German Silver: Composed of copper, nickel, and zinc. - Gun Metal: Consists of copper, tin, and zinc. - Nichrome: Made of nickel, chromium, and iron. - Devarda's Alloy: Contains aluminum, copper, and zinc.

Checking for Iron

Now, check which of the above mentioned options contains iron: - German Silver: No iron. - Gun Metal: No iron. - Nichrome: Contains iron. - Devarda's Alloy: No iron.

Conclusion

Since Nichrome is the only alloy that has iron as a component, it is the ferrous alloy among the options given.

Key concepts

Nichrome

Nichrome is an alloy known for its corrosion resistance, high melting point, and ability to retain its strength at high temperatures. It primarily consists of nickel and chromium, but iron is also a significant component. In fact, it is this presence of iron that classifies Nichrome as a ferrous alloy. This characteristic makes it suitable for use in heating elements, like those in toasters and hairdryers. When an electric current passes through Nichrome, it heats up due to its high electrical resistance. This property is exploited in various electrical heating devices. The composition of Nichrome typically includes 80% nickel and 20% chromium, but variations occur depending on its specific application.

Iron Components

Iron is a key component in numerous alloys due to its remarkable properties, such as strength and malleability. Alloys that contain iron as a major element are known as ferrous alloys. Iron provides these materials with durability and a certain magnetic quality. This is why it's extensively used in construction and manufacturing industries. When combined with other elements like carbon, iron forms steel, which is much stronger than pure iron. The presence of iron in Nichrome is what qualifies it as a ferrous alloy, setting it apart from other non-ferrous options like German silver and gun metal.

Alloy Classification

Alloys are classified based on their primary metal component. When iron is the predominant metal, the alloy is termed a ferrous alloy. Ferrous alloys include various types of steels and cast irons, known for their strength and durability. Non-ferrous alloys, on the other hand, do not have iron as their main component. They may be composed of metals like copper, aluminum, or zinc. These non-ferrous alloys are known for their resistance to rust and their light weight. Nichrome, despite containing nickel and chromium, is classified as ferrous due to its substantial iron content. Understanding this classification helps in selecting the right material for industrial applications based on its properties.

NEET Chemistry

NEET Chemistry, a key portion in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical school admissions in India, covers a wide range of topics. Understanding the fundamental properties of alloys, such as those that categorize them as ferrous or non-ferrous, is a crucial part of this syllabus. NEET aspirants need to grasp concepts related to chemical bonding, the periodic table, and how elements combine to form compounds and alloys. Familiarizing oneself with how alloys like Nichrome are made can aid in answering questions related to metallurgy and materials science. This knowledge is not only vital for exams but also for practical applications in fields like medicine and engineering, where materials' properties are pivotal.