Restorative & Materials · single question
What is the MAIN component of the amalgam ALLOY by weight?
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Correct answer: A. Silver
Silver is the primary component of the amalgam alloy powder (~40-70%). Mercury is the liquid component mixed in.
- A. CORRECT. Silver is the primary component of the amalgam alloy by weight (approximately 40-70%). The alloy is predominantly silver-tin (lathe-cut/spherical) with copper additions for improved properties.
- B. Mercury makes up ~45-50% of the MIXED amalgam by weight and is the matrix-forming liquid component. However, in the alloy itself, silver is dominant.
- C. Tin is the second most abundant metal (~25-30%) — it reduces hardness but is not the primary component.
- D. Copper is added (approximately 13-30% in high-copper amalgams) to improve mechanical properties — not the main component.
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