Brass is an alloy made of: 

The correct answer is Copper and Zinc.

Key Points

• An alloy is a substance which is formed when two or more metals are combined. They can also be formed when metals are combined with other elements. 
  • The properties that alloys exhibit differ from the individual properties of these elements; when you compare them to pure metals, they are stronger and harder.
• Metals are generally malleable, and ductile. Most pure metals are either very brittle, soft or chemically reactive to be practically used.
• When different ratios of metals are combined as alloys, it modifies the original properties of metals to give desirable characteristics.
  • Alloys are generally made to keep them less brittle, corrosion-resistant, harder, or even have a more desirable lustre and colour.
• Brass is a very useful alloy of Copper in which the quantity of Copper (Cu) is 70% and Zinc (Zn) is 30%. Hence option 2 is correct.
• Brass alloys have great strength, durability and machinability as compared to normal copper.
  • Also, their melting point is lower than Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn). These alloys are also corrosion, water resistant and have a good lifespan.
  • Brass is used in Household utensils, idols, making jewellery, forgings, rivets, screws etc.

Additional Information

• Bronze is an alloy made up of 90% Copper (Cu) and 10% Tin (Sn).
  • It is used in household utensils, bells, coins etc.
  • Bronze is much superior compared to pure copper when it comes to hardness and is also more ductile and machineable compared to pure copper.
• Rolled gold or artificial gold is a famous alloy of Copper (Cu) at 90% and Aluminium (Al) at 10%.
  • It is utilized in making cheap ornaments. Aluminium is known for making a number of alloys.
• Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) master alloys are used as a grain refiner for some brass alloys and aluminium bronze.
  • It is also used for improving the mechanical properties of low alloyed coppers and the corrosion resistance of copper-nickel alloys.