In a two-component alloy the more abundant metal can be thought of as the solvent while the less abundant metal can be thought of as the solute. Which of the following would not change the position of atoms in the solvent's unit cell?
I.a solute with the same atomic radius as the solvent
II.a solute that was sufficiently small to fit into holes in the solvent's unit cell
III.a solvent that was sufficiently small to fit into holes in the solute's unit cell
A)I only
B)II only
C)III only
D)I or II
E)I, II, or III

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A solute with the same atomic radius as the solvent (I) would not change the position of atoms in the solvent's unit cell because it would substitute directly without causing distortion. A solute that is sufficiently small to fit into holes in the solvent's unit cell (II) would also not change the position of atoms in the solvent's unit cell because it would occupy interstitial sites.

In a Two-Component Alloy the More Abundant Metal Can Be