Answer
Upon solidification, an alloy of eutectic composition forms a microstructure consisting of alternating layers of the two solid phases because during solidification, atomic diffusion must occur and with this layered configuration, the diffusion path length for the atoms is at a minimum.
Work Step by Step
Upon solidification, an alloy of eutectic composition forms a microstructure consisting of alternating layers of the two solid phases because during solidification, atomic diffusion must occur and with this layered configuration, the diffusion path length for the atoms is at a minimum.