What are steels?

Steels are defined as alloys of iron that contain specific amounts of carbon, usually between 0.02% and 2.1% by weight. These alloys are primarily composed of iron with carbon being the main alloying element, which significantly enhances the strength and hardness of iron compared to pure iron. The carbon content is crucial since it determines the properties of the steel, such as its ductility, tensile strength, and resistance to wear.

The presence of carbon enables steels to be tailored for various applications, making them versatile materials used in construction, manufacturing of tools, and many other areas. By adjusting the carbon content and incorporating other alloying elements like manganese, chromium, and nickel, it is possible to produce different grades of steel, each with unique characteristics suitable for specific purposes.

Other options refer to different concepts and materials not related to the definition of steel. Pure metals differ from alloys and do not contain the necessary carbon content that characterizes steel. Similarly, while some metals can be resistant to corrosion, not all steel alloys are completely corrosion-resistant; in fact, some may require additional protection through coatings or the use of stainless steels. Lastly, steel does not involve any mixtures of gases, further solidifying why the first choice is the only