Which of the following statements best describes low carbon steel compared to high carbon steel?

Low carbon steel is known for its lower carbon content, typically between 0.05% to 0.25%. This lower carbon content contributes to its softness compared to high carbon steel, which contains between 0.5% to 1.5% carbon. The softness of low carbon steel makes it more malleable and ductile, allowing it to be shaped easily. This property is particularly beneficial in various applications where forming the material into desired shapes is important, such as in construction and manufacturing.

Additionally, the ductility of low carbon steel enables it to deform without breaking, making it suitable for processes like welding and fabrication. In contrast, high carbon steel, while stronger due to its higher carbon content, tends to be less ductile and more brittle, meaning it could fracture under stress rather than deform.

Thus, the statement highlighting that low carbon steel is softer and more easily shaped aligns perfectly with the key characteristics of these two types of steel.