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Bronze is an alloy of
Explanation
Bronze is a metal alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) and tin (Sn) [2]. Historically, it was one of the first alloys used by humans, dating back to the Mesopotamian era around 3000 BCE for tools and weapons. Modern bronze typically consists of approximately 88% copper and 12% tin, though trace amounts of other elements like aluminum, manganese, or silicon may be added to enhance specific properties like hardness and corrosion resistance [3]. In contrast, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (Zn) [2]. Bronze is preferred in engineering applications such as gears and bearings due to its low-sliding friction and superior wear resistance compared to pure copper [1]. Therefore, the fundamental constituents that define bronze are copper and tin [2].
Sources
- [2] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Writing and City Life > Mesopotamia and its Geography > p. 12
- [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/brass-alloy
- [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures > A step further > p. 118