Properties and uses of different kinds of steel
2 marks · NormalState one advantage and one disadvantage of using high-carbon steel instead of mild steel for making nails.
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Also accept: Advantage: High-carbon steel is harder/more wear resistant, so nails are less likely to bend or wear down.; Disadvantage: High-carbon steel is more brittle, so nails are more likely to snap, or is less malleable or harder to hammer in.
Common mistakes: Saying 'stronger' without context.; Mixing up brittleness for hardness.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States a valid advantage of high-carbon steel for nails (e.g. harder or more wear resistant).
B2 · 1 mark · States a valid disadvantage of high-carbon steel for nails (e.g. more brittle or more likely to snap, or harder to shape).
Worked solution
Advantage: High-carbon steel is harder and more resistant to wear, so nails made from it are less likely to bend or become blunt.
Disadvantage: High-carbon steel is more brittle than mild steel and is more likely to snap or break when hammered.