C 4.1 Steel and other alloys Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is steel?
An alloy of iron and carbon, sometimes with other elements.
Why is steel harder than pure iron?
The carbon atoms distort the layers in iron, making it harder for them to slide over each other.
What are the three main types of steel?
Low-carbon steel, High-carbon steel, Stainless steel.
What is low-carbon steel like, and what is it used for?
Soft and easily shaped.
Used for car bodies and containers.
What is high-carbon steel like, and what is it used for?
Hard and brittle.
Used for cutting tools and blades.
What is stainless steel, and what are its key properties?
Contains chromium (and sometimes nickel).
Resistant to corrosion and rusting. Used for cutlery, medical tools, sinks.
Why are steels more useful than pure iron?
Because steel is stronger, more durable, and can be tailored for different uses by changing the amount and type of added elements.
Give two examples of other important alloys besides steel.
Brass = copper + zinc.
Used in instruments and fittings. Bronze = copper + tin.
Used in statues, medals.
