A solid solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances in the solid state. The substances may be elements, compounds, or a combination of both. The solid solutions are formed when the atoms of the two or more substances are of similar size and have similar chemical properties, allowing them to mix together in a crystal lattice.
There are two types of solid solutions:
Substitutional solid solution: In a substitutional solid solution, atoms of one element replace atoms of another element in the crystal lattice. The replaced atoms are usually of similar size and chemical properties to the atoms that replace them. Examples of substitutional solid solutions include brass, which is a mixture of copper and zinc, and steel, which is a mixture of iron and carbon.
Interstitial solid solution: In an interstitial solid solution, atoms of one element occupy the interstitial spaces (voids) between the atoms of another element in the crystal lattice. The interstitial atoms are usually smaller in size than the atoms of the host element. Examples of interstitial solid solutions include steel, which is a mixture of iron and carbon, and titanium alloys, which contain small amounts of interstitial elements such as oxygen and nitrogen.
Ankit Sharma is the Chief Editor at Uptu Khabar. He is passionate about new age digital marketing tools and their integration with the AI.
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