Brass is primarily a mixture of copper and which other metal?

Brass is fundamentally an alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. The combination of these two metals results in enhanced properties, making brass a versatile material widely used in various applications, such as plumbing fittings, musical instruments, and decorative items. The addition of zinc to copper not only improves corrosion resistance but also increases strength and ductility, making it easier to work with when forming or shaping. In contrast, while nickel, aluminum, and lead can be used to create different alloys with copper, none of these combinations produce brass. Instead, they may lead to specific materials with distinct characteristics outside of what is traditionally recognized as brass. Therefore, the correct answer identifying zinc as the principal other metal in brass reflects the fundamental composition that defines this widely utilized alloy.