Pure metals can be made more useful by converting them into alloys or by electroplating them. Explain what alloying and electroplating are and how they can make metals more useful – 9047

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1. An alloy is a mixture of metals. In a pure metal, all the atoms are the same size, so the layers can slide over each other easily. This makes pure metals soft and easy to bend.
   In alloys, the atoms are different sizes, which stops the layers from sliding. This makes alloys harder and stronger. That’s why alloys are used in things like bridges, airplane parts, and beams.
   Electroplating is when a thin layer of another metal is added to an object. This can stop the object from rusting, because the coating doesn’t react with air or water. It also makes the object look shiny and more attractive. The base metal is usually cheaper, like copper plated with gold in jewellery.
   Electroplating works by making a circuit. The object you want to coat is the cathode, and the metal you’re coating it with is the anode. The electrolyte is a solution containing the metal.

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