steel
Definition
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. It is a material that is made by combining two or more elements. In the case of steel, the two main elements are iron and carbon.
The amount of carbon in steel determines its properties. Steel with a low carbon content is called mild steel. Mild steel is soft and easy to work with. It is used to make things like nails, screws, and wire.
Steel with a high carbon content is called high-carbon steel. High-carbon steel is hard and strong. It is used to make things like knives, tools, and springs.
The properties of steel can be improved by adding other elements, such as chromium, nickel, and manganese. These elements can make steel more resistant to corrosion, heat, and wear.
Steel is a very important material. It is used to make many different things, and it is essential to our modern society.
How can the word be used?
The building was built with steel beams.
Different forms of the word
Noun: steel (plural: steels).
Adjective: steely.
Verb: to steel.
Etymology
The word "steel" comes from the Old English word "stēal", which means "hardened iron". It was first used in English in the 8th century.
The word "steely" means "hard and strong".
The word "to steel" means "to make someone or something strong or determined".
Question
What does steel contain?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the properties and production of steel. Explain the role of carbon in determining the characteristics of different types of steel and how heat treatment influences its final properties.
Answer:
Steel, a widely used alloy, is characterised by its strength, durability, and versatility. It is primarily composed of iron and carbon, along with trace amounts of other elements. The production of steel involves extracting iron from iron ore in a blast furnace and then refining it to control carbon content and impurities.
Carbon plays a crucial role in determining steel's properties. Low-carbon steel is malleable and easily shaped, making it suitable for construction. High-carbon steel is stronger but less ductile, often used for cutting tools. Varying carbon levels yield a spectrum of steel types with distinct mechanical characteristics.
Heat treatment further influences steel's final properties. Annealing, for example, involves heating steel to a specific temperature and then slowly cooling it to enhance ductility and reduce internal stresses. Quenching involves rapid cooling to increase hardness. Tempering, done after quenching, balances hardness and toughness. These treatments alter the arrangement of atoms in the steel's crystalline structure, affecting its strength and resilience.