What is the difference between a metal and an alloy?
Check these definitions.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/metal
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alloy
"Metal" generally refers to a metallic element such as iron, copper, silver, etc. An "alloy" is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metallic elements. Examples, Brass (copper+zinc), stainless steel (iron+nickel+chromium), 14K gold (gold+copper), etc.
A metal is a chemical element that is typically solid, shiny, opaque, and a good conductor of both heat and electricity. Examples of metals include iron, copper, gold, and silver. On the other hand, an alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are created by combining metallic elements or by adding non-metallic elements to a metal. The resulting material often exhibits properties that are distinct from those of the individual elements.
Now, to understand the difference between a metal and an alloy, we need to know how to determine if a material is a metal or an alloy. Here's a step-by-step approach:
1. Look at the periodic table: Check if the material in question is listed as a pure element on the periodic table. If it is, then it's a metal. If it's a combination of elements, it's likely an alloy.
2. Check the composition: If the material is a combination of different elements, it is most likely an alloy. The presence of multiple metallic or non-metallic elements is an indication of an alloy.
3. Investigate the properties: Metals generally have characteristic properties such as high electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility, and metallic luster. Alloys, on the other hand, may exhibit a combination of properties from the constituent elements. They can have variations in conductivity, strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance based on their composition.
Remember that while all alloys contain at least one metal, not all metals are alloys. Pure elements like iron, gold, and copper are metals, but not alloys. So, the key distinction lies in the composition and behavior of the material.