---
title: "Brass is a substitutional alloy composed primarily of copper (\\(\\text{Cu}\\)) and zinc (\\(\\text{Zn}\\)). A sample of brass is noticeably harder and less malleable than a sample of pure copper. Which of the following statements best explains this difference in macroscopic properties?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119854/"
date_modified: "2026-08-21T08:16:21+00:00"
---

# Brass is a substitutional alloy composed primarily of copper (\(\text{Cu}\)) and zinc (\(\text{Zn}\)). A sample of brass is noticeably harder and less malleable than a sample of pure copper. Which of the following statements best explains this difference in macroscopic properties?

Brass is a substitutional alloy composed primarily of copper (\(\text{Cu}\)) and zinc (\(\text{Zn}\)). A sample of brass is noticeably harder and less malleable than a sample of pure copper. Which of the following statements best explains this difference in macroscopic properties?

- **A.** Brass is less malleable because the substitution of \(\text{Zn}\) atoms into the \(\text{Cu}\) lattice disrupts the regular arrangement of atoms, making it more difficult for layers of atoms to slide past one another.
- **B.** Brass is less malleable because small \(\text{Zn}\) atoms occupy the interstitial spaces between \(\text{Cu}\) atoms, forming rigid covalent bonds that lock the atoms in place.
- **C.** Brass is more malleable because the presence of \(\text{Zn}\) atoms increases the number of delocalized electrons, allowing atomic layers to slide past one another more freely.
- **D.** Brass is less malleable because electron transfer from \(\text{Zn}\) to \(\text{Cu}\) creates an ionic lattice that cleaves easily along planes of like charges.

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