What is solder?
Q: What is solder?
A: Solder is a metal or alloy that melts at a low temperature and is used in electronics, electrical work, plumbing, and connecting glass to other materials.
Q: What are the two types of solder?
A: The two types of solder are soft solder and hard solder. Soft solder melts easily with soldering irons and is used for electronics and electrical work while hard solder melts at a higher temperature with a torch.
Q: What are the two main types of soft solder?
A: The two main types of soft solder are lead-based solders, which contain about 60% tin and 40% lead, and lead-free solders which typically consist of tin, silver, copper, and sometimes indium.
Q: At what temperatures do these different types of solders melt?
A: Lead-based solders melt at around 185°C while lead-free solders melt at around 217°C. Glass-to-metal solders melt between 450-550°C.
Q: Why was lead once used in food cans?
A: Lead was once used in food cans because people thought it was safe; however after many years it was discovered that the lead could come into contact with the food inside the can which caused poisoning when consumed by people who ate the food.
Q: Is lead still used in electronics today?
A: In 2006 the European Union, China, California banned lead from consumer products so it became illegal to use in electronic devices in some places; however it is still used in some cases as an alternative to more expensive options such as indium.
Q: What is flux added to metals before they are soldered?
A: Flux is added to metals before they are soldered because it reacts with any metal oxide present on the surface of the metal which turns it back into metal again so that it will hold onto the molten solder better during connection.
