| Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 12M.3.sl.TZ2.C1 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ2 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | C1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and other metallic and non-metallic elements. Stainless steel contains about 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Explain why iron can form alloys with other transition metals.
Markscheme
their atoms/ions have similar/slightly different radii/size/densities/properties;
so do not disrupt crystal structure/metallic lattice significantly / OWTTE;
Examiners report
Part (b) was very poorly answered with most candidates providing general explanations of the formation of alloys.
