Alloy

A mixture, produced almost universally by fusion, of two or more metals. Sometimes alloys seem to be chemical compounds, as shown by their having generally a melting point lower than the average of those of their constituents. An alloy of a metal with mercury is termed an amalgam. An important application in electricity is the use of fusible alloys for fire alarms or for safety fuses. German silver is also of importance for resistance coils, and palladium alloys are used for unmagnetizable watches. An alloy of wrought iron with manganese is almost unmagnetizable, and has been proposed for use in ship building to avoid errors of the compa . Alloys or what are practically such can be deposited by electrolysis in the electroplater's bath. We give the composition of some alloys interesting to the electrician. Solder: Lead   1 part Tin   2 parts "      " "    1  " "      " "    2  " German Silver: Copper, 2 parts; Nickel, 1 part; Zinc, 1 part (used for resistances). Platinum, Silver Alloys: Platinum, 1 part; silver, 2 parts (used for resistances.) Palladium alloys for watch springs. (See Palladium.)