Why is the solubility of Mg in Al so low? Consider all the factors that influence substitutional solid solutions in your answer. Given the radius of Mg is 0.160 nm
and that of Al is 0.143 nm.
Answer: The solubility of an element into another element depends upon several facotors. All these factors basically controll the free energy of formation for solid solution.
Hume-Ruthery rules which defines the condions for solid solubility are:
- Crystal structure
- Atomic radii difference
- Electonegativity
- Valency
Because the crystal structure of Mg (Hexagoanal) is different from Al (FCC) and atomic radii difference is also about to 11%, so it has only limited solid solubility.
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