Question

Pure copper metal has a very high conductivity. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has a much lower conductivity. Why are the conductivities different?

A. Because a chemical reaction has changed the copper into brass.
B.Because the physical properties of the mixture are similar to its components.
C. Because the physical properties of the mixture are different than its components.
D. Because the copper is hidden by the zinc in the brass.

Answer 1

The physical properties of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, differ from those of its constituent elements, resulting in lower conductivity compared to pure copper.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in conductivity between pure copper and brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, can be explained by the way the metals are combined. Pure copper has very high conductivity because of its atomic structure that allows electrons to flow freely through the material. When copper is mixed with zinc to form brass, the resulting alloy has a different atomic arrangement that impedes this free flow of electrons, leading to lower conductivity. The correct answer to why brass has lower conductivity compared to pure copper is: C. Because the physical properties of the mixture are different than its components.