Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Thudaiyur, Trichy. Unit - Iii, Alloys and Phase Rule 2 Marks Questions and Answers

MAHALAKSHMI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, THUDAIYUR,TRICHY.
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UNIT – III, ALLOYS AND PHASE RULE
2 Marks Questions and Answers
1. Define Alloys. (Jan - 2014)

A homogeneous solid solution of two or more different elements, one of which is
at least a metal is called an alloy.
2. What are the properties of alloys?

i) Alloys are harder and less malleable.
ii) They have lower melting points.
iii) They have low electrical conductivity.
iv) They resist corrosion and action of acids.
3. What is the importance of alloys? (or)

Mention any two advantages of alloy making. (Dec - 2014)
i) To increase the hardness of the metal.
ii) To lower the melting point of the metals.
iii) To resist the corrosion of the metal.
iv) To modify the chemical activity of the metal.
v) To modify the color of the metal.
vi) To obtain the good casting of the metal.
4. What are ferrous alloys? Give one example.

It contains Fe (iron) as the major component. Adding carbon into Fe is
known as steel. Example:Nichrome, Stainless steel.
5. What do you mean by stainless steel?

Adding carbon 0.3 to 1.5% and chromium into iron is known as stainless steel.
6. What is meant by annealing of steel?

Annealing means softening. It is done by heating steel to a certain temperature
followed by slow cooling in a furnace.
7. What is the effect of increasing carbon content in steel?

Increases the strength and hardness on adding 0.83 % of carbon.
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Prof. N.Saravanan, MAHALAKSHMI ENGINEERING COLLEGE,Thudaiyur, Trichy. Cell: 9943482619. Page 1
8. Distinguish between annealing and hardening.
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Annealing Hardening
Softening of Steel Hardening by an oil
Heating steel to a certain high Heating steel beyond the critical
temperature followed by slow cooling. temperature suddenly cooling by an
oil.
It increases the machinability It increases the abrasion resistance
9. What do you understand by heat treatment of stainless steel?
The process of heating and cooling of solid steel article under carefully controlled
conditions is known as heat treatment of steel.
10. What are the purposes of heat treatment of steel?

i) Refinement of grain structure.
ii) Removal of imprisoned gases.
iii) Removal of internal stresses.
iv) Improvement of corrosion resistance.
v) Improvement of magnetic and electrical properties.
11. Write down the composition of Nichrome. (June - 2014)
Nickel - 60%
Chromium - 12%
Iron - 26%
Manganese - 2%
12. What is hardening of steel? Mention its purpose. (May - 2015)
It is a process of heating steel beyond the critical temperature & then suddenly
cooling it either in oil (or) brine solution.
Purpose: To make steel becomes extra – brittle’s.
13. Mention the composition of most commonly used stainless steel.(18/8).

18% Cr, 8% Ni, less than 0.15% C and rest Fe.
14. State Phase Rule.

It deals with the behaviour of Heterogeneous systems. It was postulated by
Willard Gibbs (1874). Phase rule predicts quantitatively the equilibrium existing
between different phases of a heterogeneous sustems. F = C – P + 2
Where,
F – Number of degrees of freedom
C – Number of Components
P – Number of phases www.vidyarthiplus.com
15. Define the terms (a) phase (b) component .
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(a) Phase:
A homogeneous physically distinct and mechanically separable portion of system,
which is separated from other such parts by definite boundary surface.
(b) Component:
Component is the smallest number of independent variable constituents take part
in the state of equilibrium by means of which the composition of each phase can
be expressed in terms of chemical equation.
16. Define the degree of freedom in phase rule.

Degree of freedom is the minimum number of independent variables such as
temperature, pressure and composition of the phase which must be arbitrarily
fixed in order to define the system completely.
17. What is triple point? (June - 2014)

A point at which the gaseous, liquid and solid phases of the system co-exist in
equilibrium.
18. What is triple point of water system?

When water is at 0.0098 °C and 4.58 mm Hg pressure then it is triple point of
water system in which all the three phases coexist.
19. What is the difference between critical point and triple point?
Critical point refers to the temperature and pressure where a liquid and its
vapour become identical; while triple point is the condition of temperature and
pressure under which three phases of substance coexist in equilibrium.
20. What is metastable state?
The state of supersaturated solution in which the phase is normally stable under
the given conditions, does not form.
21. Apply phase rule to calculate the degree of freedom at the triple point of a
one component system.
At triple point C = 1 and P = 3
F = C – P + 2 = 1 – 3 + 2 = 0 (invariant).
22. Mention any two merits of phase rule
(i). It is applicable both physical and chemical equilibria
(ii). It is applicable to macroscopic system, so it requires no information
regarding molecular / micro structure.
(iii). It helps us to predict the behaviour of a system, under different sets of
variables.
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23. Mention two limitations of phase rule.
i. It can be applied only for heterogeneous systems in equilibrium.
ii. It applies only to a single equilibrium system and provides no information
regarding any other possible equilibrium in the system at any given set of
conditions.
24. What is meant by the term eutectic?
A Solid solution of two or more substances having the lowest freezing point of all
the possible mixture of the components is known as eutectic.
25. Mention an application of Pb - Ag system.
Desliverization of lead by Pattinson’s process to get lead containing 2.6% Ag.
26. What are the eutectic temperature and eutectic composition
ofPb -Ag system?
Eutectic temperature : 303°C;
Eutectic composition : 97.4% Pb + 2.6% Ag.
27. Calculate the number of phases, components and degree of freedom in the
system C (s) € CO (g) € CO2 (g) € O2 (g).
Phases 3, components 3, F = 2.
28. Calculate the number of phases, components and degree of freedom in the
system I2 (s) = I2 (CHCl3) € I2 (H2O).
P = 3, C = 3, F = 2
29. What is the number of phases when CaCO3 (s) is heated?
Three (two solids and one gaseous)
30. What is an invariant system? Give one example
In which the degree of freedom to zero, i.e., no condition is required to be
specified to define the system.
Example: A system consisting of ice, water and water vapour in equilibrium.
31. State the condensed phase rule and its uses.
(Jan - 2014, May - 2015)
A solid / liquid system in which the gas phase is absent then it is known as
condensed phase rule system.
F = C – P + 1. It is applicable to two component system.
32. Write the number of phases and components in the following
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heterogeneous system:
CuSO4(S) + 5H2O (l)→CuSO4 . 5H2O(S)
Phases : 3 and Components : 2
CaCO3(s) →CaO(S) + CO2(g)
NH4Cl(S) →NH3(g) + HCl(g).
33. What is the degree of freedom at eutectic point in Lead-Silver system? (Dec -
2014)
F = 3 – P,
F=3–3
F=0
 Degree of Freedom = 0.
PART – B QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
01. Explain one component system- water system.
A one component system is the water system,
It consists of three phase like ice, water & water vapour.

Ice (s) Water (l) Water vapour(g)
The phase rule equation is
F = C- P+2; F=1-P+2 ; F= 3-P.
Therefore the degree of freedom depends on the number of phases present at
equilibrium.
Three different cases may arise.
Case (i): only one phase is present.
F= 3-P ; F= 3-1 =2.
 Degrees of freedom isTwo. So it is known as bivariant
 It is completely defined by two variables. Pressure & temperature.
 A single phase is P-T graph.
Case(ii) : Two phases in equilibrium.
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F = 3-P = 3-2=1.
 Degree of freedom is one & known as monovariant.
 By the change of temperature, the pressure is automatically fixed.
 This is known by a line on P-T graph.
Case (iii): when three phases are in equilibrium.
F = 3-3 = 0.
 As seen, this system has zero degree of freedom & is called non-variant or invariant.
 It is represented a point on P-T graph. This point is called triple point.
 In triple point all the 3 phases (solid, liquid, vapour) are in equilibrium.
Phase diagram for water system.
(i) Areas (or) regions:
Phase diagram divided by 3 regions.
COB = solid,
COA = liquid,
AOB = vapour.
3 areas exist under the
conditions of P & T.
(ii) Lines :
3 areas are separated by 3 lines.
OC = Solid line.
OA = Liquid line.
OB = Vapour line.
It represents any 2 of 3 phases.

Line OC = solid ⟷liquid, & it is known as melting curve or fusion curve.
Line OA = liquid to vapour, it is known as pressure curve or vapourisation curve.
Line OB =solid to vapour, it is known as sublimation curve.
(iii) Triple point:

3 areas intersect at a common point ‘O’ is known as triple point.
F = C-P+2 = 1-3+2 =0.
(iv) Meta stable curve:
The dashed curve OA’ lies above the normal sublimation curve.
This means that the vapour-pressure of the metastable phase is higher than of
the stable phase at the same T.
2. Explain two component system- Lead –Silver (Pb-Ag) system.
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This system has
(i). 2 components.
(ii). 4 phases.
4 phases are
i. Solid silver
ii. Solid lead
iii. Solution of molten silver & lead
iv. Vapour.
Phase diagram for Lead- silver system.
Phase rule for this system is
F’ =C-P+1.
From the diagram
i. Two curves – AO & BO
ii. Eutectic point – O
iii. Three areas (a) above AOB
(b) below AO
(c)below BO.
(i) Two curves AO &BO:
BO is freezing point curve of Pb.
AO is known as freezing point of silver.
B is the melting point of pure
A is melting point of pure Ag -961°C
Pb -327°C.
At this curve AO, Solid Ag & melt are in
At this curve BO, solid Pb& melt
equilibrium.
are in equilibrium.
F’ = C-P+1 =2-2+1; F’ =1. (i.e.)Univariant.
F’ = C-P+1 =2-2+1= 1. (i.e.,)
univariant.
(ii)Eutectic point –O:
The curves AO & BO meet at point ‘O’ at a temperature 303°C,
where 3 phases are in equilibrium.
F’ = C – P + 1 = 2-3+1 =0. (i.e.,) non-variant.
Therefore eutectic composition is 97.4%Pb + 2.6%Ag.
(iii) Three areas:
The area above the line AOB has a single phase.
F’ =C-P+1 =2-1+1 =2. Bivariant.
The area below the line AO & BO &
Point ‘O’ have 2 phases & hence the system is univariant.
3. What is the importance (or) significance of alloys?
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1. To increase the hardness of the metal
2. To lower the melting points of the metal
3. To resist the corrosion of the metal
4. To modify the chemical activity of the metal
5. To modify the colour of the metal
6. To obtain good casting of the metal.
Need for making Alloys:
1. To increase the hardness of the metal

Generally pure metals are soft, but their alloys are hard.
Ex: Addition of 0.15-2% carbon to iron, for getting steel,
hardness is improved to it.
2. To lower the melting points of the metal.
Ex: wood’s metal, it is used for soldering & its melting point is 700C.
It is an alloy of lead, Bi & tin. So its melting point is less than the mixture of
metals.
3. To resist the corrosion of the metal.
Normally metals are corroded by surroundings.
Thus metal life time is reduced. But if a metal is alloyed, it resists corrosion.
Ex: pure iron gets rusted, but when it is alloyed with carbon it forms stainless
steel, resists corrosion.
4. To modify the chemical activity of the metal.
Chemical activity of the metal is altered by alloying.
Ex: sodium amalgam is less active than sodium.
5. To modify the colour of the metal.
The dull colour of the metal is improved by alloying.
Ex: Brass – white colour. It is an alloy of copper(red) & zinc(silver white).
6. To obtain good casting of the metal.
Pure metals are soft & brittle so they are not using for casting.
But alloys are hard fusible & have better castability.Ex: when 5% tin & 3%
Sb are added to lead, the alloy shows good casting properties.
4. What is the composition, properties & uses of Nichrome (Ferrous alloys)?
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It is an alloy of Nickel & Chromium.
Its composition is
Nickel - 60%
Chromium - 12%
Iron - 26%
Manganese - 2%
Properties:
1. It is chemical, oxidation & heat resistant.
2. It possesses high melting point.
3. It has a high electrical resistance.
4. It can be used upto 11000C.
Uses:
1. They are used in making furnace heating coils.
2. Used as heating elements in electric irons, toasters & kettles.
3. Used in high temperatures equipments.
4. Household electrical appliances.
5. Used in making parts of boilers, aero-engine valves, gas-turbines.
5.What is the composition, properties & uses of stainless steel?
Stainless steel contain chromium together with other elements such as nickel,
molybdenum, etc.,
Properties & Uses:
Stainless steels are divided into two types,
1. Heat treatment stainless steel.
2. Non-heat treatment stainless steel.
1. Heat treatment stainless steel:Cr = 12-16% & C= 1.2%
Properties:
1. They are magnetic & tough.
2. They can be used upto 800OC.
3. They can be worked in cold state.
4. They are weather & water resistant.
Uses:They are used in making surgical instruments, scissors, blades, etc.,
2. Non-heat treatment stainless steel:
These steel possess less strength at high temperature. They are more resistant to
corrosion. There are 2 types according to the composition.
(a).Magnetic type: it contains 12-22% Cr & 0.35% C.
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Properties: (i).It can be forged, rolled & machined.
(ii) It has better corrosion resistance.
Uses: Used in making chemical equipments& automobile parts.
(b).Non- magnetic type: Cr= 18-26%, Ni =8-21%, C=0-15%.
18/8 stainless steel: It is the most widely used stainless steel.
It contains 18%Cr & 8% Ni, hence it is called 18/8 stainless steel.
Properties:
i. It shows maximum resistance to oxidation.
ii. A little amount of molybdenum is added for further resistance
corrosion.
Uses: Used in making household utensils, sinks, dental & surgical instruments.
6. Explain Heat treatment of stainless steel.

The process of heating & cooling of solid steel article under carefully controlled
conditions is known as heat treatment of steel.
Purpose of heat treatment:
Heat treatment causes
1. Refinement of grain structure.
2. Removal of the imprisoned gases.
3. Removal of internal stresses.
4. Improvement of corrosion resistance.
5. Improvement of magnetic & electrical properties.
Types of heat treatment of steel: 1. Annealing.

2. Hardening
3. Tempering
4. Normalizing
5. Carburizing.
6. Nitriding.
1.Annealing: Annealing means softening.
This is done by heating steel to a certain high temperature followed by slow cooling in a
furnace.
Purpose: 1. It increases the machinability.
2. It also removes the imprisoned gases.
3. It removes the internal stresses.
Types of annealing: 2 types.
(a) low temperature annealing – process annealing.
(b) high temperature annealing – full annealing.
Low – below the lower critical temperature.
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High – above the higher critical temperature.
Process annealing: heating steel to a temperature below the low critical temperature
followed by slow cooling.
Purpose: improves machinability, ductility & shock resistance. It reduces hardness.
Full annealing: heating steel to a temperature about 30-50oC above the higher criticl
temperature.
Mild steel= 840-870oC ,Medium carbon steel = 780-840oC.
High- carbon steel = 760-780oC.
Purpose: it increases the ductility & machinability. This process makes the steel soft.
2. Hardening (or) quenching:
1. It is a process of heating steel beyond the critical temperature & then suddenly
cooling it either in oil (or) brine solution (or) some other fluid.
2. Medium & high –carbon steels can be hardened, but low-carbon steels cannot
be hardened.
Purpose: 1. It increases the hardness of steel.
2. It increases abrasion resistance. 3. Steel becomes extra brittle.
3. Tempering:
It consists of heating the already hardened steel to a temperature lower than its
hardening temperature & then, allowing it to cool slowly.
In tempering, the temperature to which hardened steel is re-heated is of great
significance & controls the development of the final properties.thus,
1. the reheating temperature should not exceed 400oC.
2. for better toughness, the reheating temperature within 400-600oC.
Purpose: 1. It increases the toughness &ductility. 2. It reduces the hardness.
3. Cutting tools like blades, cutters always require tempering.
4. Normalising:
It is the process of heating steel to a definite temperature & allowing it to cool
gradually in air.
Purpose: 1. It increases the toughness.
2. Normalized steel for the use in engineering works.
5. Carburizing:
The mild steel article is taken in a cast iron box containing small pieces of
charcoal. It is heated to 900-950°C. it is allowed to remain at that temperature for
sufficient time, so that the carbon is absorbed to required depth. The article is then
cooled slowly within the cast iron box itself. The outer skin of the article is converted
into high carbon steel containing about 0.8-1.2% carbon.
Purpose: To produce hard wearing surface on the steel article.
6. Nitriding:
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It is the process of heating the metal/alloy steel in presence of ammonia at a
temperature of about 550°C. The nitrogen combines with the surface of the alloy to
form hard nitride.
This process is quite time consuming.
Purpose: To obtain super hard surface metal alloy.
7. What are ferrous alloys? Give its properties.
Ferrous alloys:
 Ferrous alloys contain iron as the major components.

 Iron contains upto 1.5% carbon is known as steel.
 The properties of steel can be greatly improved by thye presence of some
alloying elements like Ni, Cr, Co, etc.,
 Example: Nichrome and stainless Steel.
Properties:
1. They are corrosion & abrasion resistant.
2. They have high temperature strength.
3. They possess sufficient ductility &weldability.
4. They have high strength & yield point.
5. Cracking & distortion are less.
Example : Nichrome and Stainless steel.

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MAHALAKSHMI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, THUDAIYUR,TRICHY.

2 Marks Questions and Answers

1. Define Alloys. (Jan - 2014)

2. What are the properties of alloys?

3. What is the importance of alloys? (or)

4. What are ferrous alloys? Give one example.

5. What do you mean by stainless steel?

6. What is meant by annealing of steel?

7. What is the effect of increasing carbon content in steel?

10. What are the purposes of heat treatment of steel?

13. Mention the composition of most commonly used stainless steel.(18/8).

14. State Phase Rule.

16. Define the degree of freedom in phase rule.

17. What is triple point? (June - 2014)

18. What is triple point of water system?

PART – B QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

01. Explain one component system- water system.

A one component system is the water system,

It consists of three phase like ice, water & water vapour.

It represents any 2 of 3 phases.

(iii) Triple point:

Need for making Alloys:

1. To increase the hardness of the metal

6. Explain Heat treatment of stainless steel.

Types of heat treatment of steel: 1. Annealing.

7. What are ferrous alloys? Give its properties.

 Ferrous alloys contain iron as the major components.

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