This lesson explores nickel-brass, a modern alloy widely used in contemporary coinage, such as the UK one-pound coin and the outer ring of the one-euro coin. Students will examine the composition and properties of this alloy through XRF spectroscopy, focusing on how the addition of nickel modifies the characteristics of traditional brass.
Objectives
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Identify the composition and structure of nickel-brass alloys.
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Understand how alloying elements such as nickel and zinc influence copper-based alloys.
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Interpret XRF spectra to recognize the elemental peaks corresponding to copper, zinc, and nickel in coin samples.
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Compare the XRF results of nickel-brass coins with those of other copper alloys such as brass and Nordic gold.
Materials
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Sample coins: UK one-pound coin, one-euro coin (outer ring)
Lesson Plan
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Introduce the family of copper-based alloys, highlighting brass and its variants.
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Present nickel-brass as a specific alloy containing approximately 75% copper, 20% zinc, and 5% nickel.
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Compare spectra from different alloys to illustrate compositional variations and their visual effects on the metal’s color and properties.
