Which of the following is mixed to make steel hard ?
[ A ] Quantity of carbon
[ B ] Quantity of Manganese
[ C ] Quantity of Silicon
[ D ] Quantity of Chromium
Answer : Option A
Explanation :
Carbon strengthens iron by distorting its crystal lattice. This distortion is similar in effect to work hardening. It is unfortunately a very complex effect and depends on how the steel is heat treated and exactly what percentage of carbon is added (<4% by wt. normally)