Q1: Addition of beryllium to copper is done mainly to produce a/an __________ alloy.

ANS:A - non-sparking & non-magnetic

1. Non-sparking: Non-sparking materials are those that do not produce sparks when struck or rubbed against another material. This property is particularly important in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present. Sparks generated by friction can ignite these substances, leading to fires or explosions. Non-sparking materials are often required in industries such as mining, chemical processing, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Beryllium-copper alloys, including those containing high percentages of beryllium, are known for their non-sparking characteristics. This is due to the way their microstructure prevents the formation of sparks when they come into contact with another material. Therefore, beryllium-copper alloys find applications in tools and equipment used in potentially hazardous environments where sparking could pose a risk.
2. Non-magnetic: Materials that are non-magnetic exhibit little to no magnetic attraction. In other words, they are not influenced by magnetic fields and do not retain magnetization once the external magnetic field is removed. Non-magnetic materials are useful in applications where magnetic interference is undesirable or where they need to maintain their original properties in the presence of magnetic fields. While pure copper is not inherently magnetic, the addition of beryllium can influence its magnetic properties. Beryllium-copper alloys may exhibit minimal magnetic susceptibility depending on their composition and processing. However, in general, these alloys tend to have low magnetic permeability, making them suitable for applications where magnetic interference needs to be minimized or where non-magnetic properties are preferred, such as in certain electrical and electronic components.