The higher the carbon content in steel, ________
A)the stronger and more malleable it is.
B)the stronger and more brittle it is.
C)the weaker and more malleable it is.
D)the weaker and more brittle it is.
E)Any of these, depending on the formula of the interstitial compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing carbon content in steel increases its strength, but also increases its brittleness. This is because the carbon atoms tend to form carbides, which make the steel harder but also more prone to fracturing under stress. Therefore, the higher the carbon content in steel, the stronger it becomes but also less ductile and more brittle, leading to the answer B.

The Higher the Carbon Content in Steel, ________