Steel is produced when carbon atoms occupy interstitial sites in iron
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Steel is produced when carbon atoms occupy interstitial sites in iron. Which of the following best explains why steel retains high electrical conductivity comparable to that of pure iron?
(a) Carbon atoms form covalent bonds with iron atoms, creating a network that conducts electrons efficiently.
(b) The delocalized electrons of the iron lattice remain mobile because the small carbon atoms occupy interstitial sites without disrupting metallic bonding.
(c) Carbon atoms donate additional free electrons to the lattice, greatly increasing the charge-carrier density.
(d) By filling interstitial sites, carbon pushes iron atoms slightly closer together, and the increased orbital overlap lowers electrical resistance.