Steel

Definition

Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron and carbon, known for its high tensile strength and versatility. It is widely used in construction, tools, and various industries due to its durability and adaptability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Steel is an alloy made mainly of iron with a small percentage of carbon (typically less than 2%).
2. The addition of carbon to iron increases the hardness and strength of steel compared to pure iron.
3. Transition metals such as chromium, nickel, and manganese are often added to steel to enhance properties like corrosion resistance and toughness.
4. Steel's properties can be tailored through heat treatment processes such as annealing, quenching, and tempering.
5. Stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a passive layer of chromium oxide that prevents rusting.

Review Questions

• What primary elements make up steel?
• How does the addition of transition metals like chromium or nickel affect the properties of steel?
• What heat treatment processes can modify the properties of steel?

Related terms

Alloy: A mixture of two or more elements where at least one is a metal, designed to have specific properties.

Annealing: A heat treatment process that softens metal by heating it to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly.

Stainless Steel: A type of steel alloy containing chromium (at least 10.5%) that resists corrosion and staining.