Distinguish between the following: 1. alloys and amalgams
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Combinations of different metals form alloys. An alloy composed by mercury and other metal (or metals) forms amalgam.
When a true alloy is formed, the component metals are mixed together at a temperature which is greater than the melting point of all of them. Then, after having been mixed thoroughly in its fully liquid state, the mixture is allowed to solidify by cooling at a controlled rate.
By contrast, in an amalgamation process, bits of solid metal, which may themselves be of either pure metal or an alloy, are mixed together with a liquid metal at a temperature which is below the melting point of the solid component(s). (And in the case of dental amalgam, where mercury is used as the liquid metal amalgamating agent, this process is normally performed at room temperature.
When a true alloy is formed, the component metals are mixed together at a temperature which is greater than the melting point of all of them. Then, after having been mixed thoroughly in its fully liquid state, the mixture is allowed to solidify by cooling at a controlled rate.
By contrast, in an amalgamation process, bits of solid metal, which may themselves be of either pure metal or an alloy, are mixed together with a liquid metal at a temperature which is below the melting point of the solid component(s). (And in the case of dental amalgam, where mercury is used as the liquid metal amalgamating agent, this process is normally performed at room temperature.
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