What is the Difference Between Metal and Alloy?

The main difference between metals and alloys lies in their composition. Metals are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom, while alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, one of which must be a metal. Here are some key differences between metals and alloys:

1. Composition: Metals are made up of only one type of atom, such as chromium or gold. In contrast, alloys consist of a combination of two or more elements, like chromium, iron, and carbon in stainless steel.
2. Properties: Pure metals have specific properties, such as luster, good conductivity of heat and electricity, and malleability. Alloys, on the other hand, can have a combination of properties from the individual elements they are made of, resulting in unique characteristics.
3. Strength and Toughness: Alloys tend to be stronger and harder than pure metals due to the combination of different elements, each contributing desirable features while canceling out the negative features of others.
4. Reactions with Outside Stimuli: Pure metals may rust, oxidize, or corrode over time due to environmental factors like oxygen and water. Alloys, however, are usually made from a mixture of less reactive metals to prolong their usefulness, such as the chromium in stainless steel that makes it resistant to corrosion.
5. Melting Point: Alloys have a variety of melting points due to the combination of metals they contain. The melting point can increase when metals are combined, even if one metal melts at a relatively low temperature, which has practical value for industrial applications.

In summary, metals are pure substances with specific properties, while alloys are mixtures of two or more elements with unique properties resulting from the combination of their constituent elements.

Comparative Table: Metal vs Alloy

Here is a table comparing the differences between metals and alloys:

In summary, metals are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom, while alloys are mixtures of two or more metals. Alloys are often stronger, more resistant to heat, and more resistant to corrosion than pure metals due to the combination of different metals and their properties.