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How can small amounts of arsenic improve copper and brass?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for arsenic, showing its atomic number 33, symbol As, atomic weight 74.921595, electron configuration, and classification as an other nonmetal. Additional icons indicate arsenic is solid at room temperature, has a rhombohedral crystal structure, and weakly acidic oxides. — arsenic Properties of arsenic.

Small concentrations of arsenic are added to copper and brass to improve their corrosion resistance and thermal properties.1