Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Properties and uses of some metals
19 practice questions
Practice questions
11–19 of 19
Question 11
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and is often used for making musical instruments.
Explain, in terms of its structure, why brass is harder than pure copper. Your answer should refer to the arrangement of atoms.
Question 12
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the melting point and main use of some metals.
Properties and uses of metals Metal Melting point (°C) Main use Aluminium 660 Overhead electricity cables Copper 1085 Electrical wiring Iron 1538 Building structures (a)[2 marks]Which metal from the table is most suitable for overhead power cables? Give one reason for your choice.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why copper is commonly used for making electrical wiring.
Question 13
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Why are alloys harder than pure metals?
- A.Alloys contain atoms of different sizes, which disrupt the layers.
- B.Alloys have fewer atoms.
- C.Alloys are always magnetic.
- D.Alloys have higher melting points.
Question 14
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give two reasons why copper is used for making electrical wiring.
Question 15
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagrams show a pure metal and an alloy. Use your knowledge of structure and properties to answer the questions.
(a)[1 mark]Describe the arrangement of atoms in a pure metal.
(b)[3 marks]Explain why the alloy is harder than the pure metal.
Question 16
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Aluminium is often used to make power transmission cables because it has a low density and is a good conductor of electricity. A section of cable is made of pure aluminium and has a mass of and a volume of .
Calculate the density of aluminium in . State one reason, based on its properties, why aluminium is chosen for this use.
Density = mass ÷ volume
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the density of aluminium in .
(b)[1 mark]State one property of aluminium that makes it suitable for use in power cables.
Question 17
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Copper is often used in building water pipes. Give two physical properties of copper, apart from electrical conductivity, that make it suitable for this use.
Question 18
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A coin is made from an alloy containing copper and nickel.
(a)[1 mark]Define the term 'alloy'.
(b)[3 marks]Explain, in terms of atomic structure, why this alloy is harder than either pure copper or pure nickel.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one advantage of using the alloy instead of pure copper for making coins.
Question 19
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Aluminium is often chosen for the bodies of aircraft. Explain two reasons, based on its physical properties, for this choice.