What two elements combine to form bronze?

Bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin. The combination of these two metals enhances the properties of copper, resulting in a material that is stronger and more resistant to corrosion than its components. This makes bronze a valuable material for various applications, including tools, weapons, and decorative items, due to its durability and workability.

The specific proportions of copper and tin can vary, but the traditional bronze alloy is generally about 90% copper and 10% tin. This combination has been used for thousands of years and marks one of the significant advancements in metallurgy, known as the Bronze Age, where societies transitioned from using stone tools to metalworking. The unique qualities of bronze, such as its ability to be cast into intricate shapes and its resistance to wear, further demonstrate why copper and tin are combined to produce this important alloy.