Question

Magnalium is an alloy of:
A.$Mg + Zn$
B.$Mg + Al$
C.$Cu + Zn$
D.$Mg + Cu$

Answer 1

Magnalium, if you read this name carefully, it itself says the answer. Magnalium is an alloy of elements in which one element is present in a very small amount compared to the other element.

Step by step answer:
Alloy- it is a mixture of at least one metal/nonmetal or more than more metals/nonmetals. For example, Brass. It is a mixture of copper and zinc. Another example is Magnalium which is also a mixture of elements.

In magnolium, Element with large amount is second abundant metallic element present on the earth and element which is present in small amount is eighth abundant metallic element.
As its name suggests it is a brittle alloy of Magnesium and Aluminium. Magnesium is 5% while Aluminium is 95% and copper, tin, nickel are also present in small amounts. It is useful in engineering materials. At times, when magnesium is 50% it leads to poor corrosion resistance.

Thus, correct answer is option B. i.e. $Mg + Al$

Other options are not correct as they form other alloys when mixed with other metals/ non- metals.

Additional Information: Alloys which have a small amount of Magnesium, they exhibit greater strength and lower density than pure aluminium. Magnalium has high reactivity and due to this it burns hot and bright yellowish white sparks are formed. This alloy can be a usable powder because it is easily broken by hammer and ground in a coffee grinder.

Note: Metallic bonding characters define the term alloy. Simply reading the name Magnalium shows that Aluminium and Magnesium are mixed together to form this alloy. Magnalium is more workale than aluminium and is light in weight.