What is the purpose of alloying?

• A. To give a metal more tensile strength and durability
• B. To change color
• C. To reduce electrical resistance
• D. To increase brittleness

Answer: (A)

Alloying is about tailoring a metal’s properties by adding other elements to improve performance. The main aim is to boost strength and durability so the material can withstand loads, wear, and service conditions more effectively. In aviation, for example, aluminum alloys strengthened with elements like magnesium or silicon are lighter yet tougher than pure aluminum, giving better strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to fatigue.

That’s why the best answer is that alloying gives a metal more tensile strength and durability. Some alloys do change color or other properties, but those are not the primary purpose. Reducing electrical resistance isn’t a general goal of alloying, and increasing brittleness is usually something designers try to avoid.