Explain why alloys have different physical properties from their constituent elements.

When other elements are added to the pure metal, the different atomic sizes of the different elements disrupt the regular arrangement of the pure metal atoms. This irregular arrangement of the different atoms results in the alloys having different physical properties from their constituent elements. When a force is applied, the atoms in an alloy cannot slide over one another easily, causing the alloy to have lower malleability, lower ductility and higher strength as compared to pure metal.