Stainless steel is less susceptible to rusting than iron because ________
A)it is coated with plastic.
B)the metals other than iron in the alloy form protective oxides.
C)the carbon within the alloy polymerizes to form a protective film.
D)the silicon within the alloy oxidizes to form a protective silicate layer.
E)the intermetallic compound formed is less reactive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stainless steel is an alloy made up of iron, chromium, nickel, and other metals. The metals other than iron in the alloy (such as chromium and nickel) form a protective oxide layer on the surface of the steel. This layer prevents oxygen and water from coming into contact with the underlying metal and therefore reduces the likelihood of rusting.

Stainless Steel Is Less Susceptible to Rusting Than Iron Because