Properties and uses of different kinds of steel

1 mark · Easy

State one disadvantage of using mild steel instead of stainless steel for outdoor structures.

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Mild steel rusts when exposed to oxygen and water, while stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion.

Also accept: Mild steel rusts easily outdoors whereas stainless steel does not.; Mild steel is prone to corrosion in outdoor environments.

Common mistakes: Stainless steel is cheaper than mild steel.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Identifies that mild steel rusts or corrodes outdoors, unlike stainless steel.

Worked solution

Mild steel rusts when exposed to oxygen and water, so it is not suitable for outdoor structures unlike stainless steel.