Alloys can be harder or stronger than pure metals and are more useful.
* by mixing together metals which have different-sized atoms to form the alloy, the metal no longer has a repeating structure.
* Metal is malleable and ductile because its layers are able to move over one another.
* In an alloy, the different-sized atoms mean that the layers can no longer slide over each other, causing the alloy to have less malleability and ductility.
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Brass 65% copper, 35% zinc Jewellery, machine bearings, electrical connections, door furniture
Bronze 90% copper, 10% tin Castings, machine parts