11. ‘German silver’ is used to make decorative articles, coinage metal, or

‘German silver’ is used to make decorative articles, coinage metal, ornaments etc. The name is given because :

[amp_mcq option1=”it is an alloy of copper and contains silver as one of its components” option2=”Germans were the first to use silver” option3=”its appearance is like silver” option4=”it is an alloy of silver” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
‘German silver’ is given this name because its appearance resembles silver.
German silver is a copper alloy typically containing copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite its name, it contains no silver. The name originates from its silvery-white appearance, which makes it look similar to sterling silver.
The composition of German silver can vary, but common proportions are 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. It is valued for its hardness, toughness, resistance to corrosion, and attractive appearance, making it suitable for cutlery, musical instruments, and decorative items besides coinage metal and ornaments.