Steel is produced when a small percentage of carbon is incorporated into iron
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · CBSE · Chemistry · Metals and Non-metals · Metals and Non-metals
Problem
Steel is produced when a small percentage of carbon is incorporated into iron. Which of the following best accounts for the ability of carbon to enter the iron lattice?
(a) Carbon atoms are similar in size to iron atoms, allowing them to replace iron in the lattice.
(b) Carbon’s much smaller atomic radius allows it to fit into the interstitial spaces of the iron lattice.
(c) Carbon’s high electronegativity attracts iron electrons, forming ionic interactions that lock carbon into lattice sites.
(d) Carbon has the same number of valence electrons as iron, enabling metallic bonding between them.