Potassium is a metal found in Group 1 of the Periodic Table.
Describe the structure and bonding in a metal. You may think about drawing a diagram to support your description.
Potassium is malleable even though metallic bonds are strong. Explain why metals are malleable.
Potassium can conduct electricity in the solid and liquid state. Explain why metals can conduct electricity.
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements. When titanium is mixed with aluminium, it forms an alloy used in lightweight turbine blades for aerospace engines. Adding different amounts of aluminium to the titanium changes the properties of the alloy.
| Alloy | Percentage of aluminium (%) | Density (g/cm3\text{g/cm}^3g/cm3) | Melting point (∘C^\circ\text{C}∘C) | Strength (MPa\text{MPa}MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | 5.00 | 4.48 | 1650 | 900 |
| Y | 7.00 | 4.43 | 1620 | 980 |
| Z | 9.00 | 4.37 | 1580 | 930 |
A design engineer thinks that alloy Y is the best of these three for making a high-strength, lightweight turbine blade. Is he correct? Explain your answer using evidence from the table.
The engineer uses the particle model to show the elements present in alloy Y. Look at his diagram.
Calculate the percentage of aluminium atoms in the diagram of alloy Y.
Use your answer to part (c)(i) to explain if the diagram accurately shows the structure of alloy Y.