Properties and uses of different kinds of steel
4 marks · NormalTwo companies plan to produce saucepans and garden spades. They are choosing between mild steel, high-carbon steel, and stainless steel.
Explain, with one property, why stainless steel is preferred over mild steel for saucepans.
State a key property of high-carbon steel that makes it better than mild steel for the blade of a garden spade.
Suggest a disadvantage of using stainless steel for the entire production in both cases.
Compare one advantage and one disadvantage of mild steel compared to high-carbon steel in practical use.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion/does not rust (when used for saucepans), whereas mild steel would rust.
(b) High-carbon steel is harder/more wear resistant than mild steel.
(c) Stainless steel is much more expensive to produce than mild or high-carbon steel.
(d) Advantage: Mild steel is more malleable or ductile (can be shaped easily); Disadvantage: It is less hard or wears out more quickly than high-carbon steel.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Explains that stainless steel is corrosion-resistant/rust resistant, making it better for saucepans.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · States a key property of high-carbon steel: harder or more resistant to wear.
B3 (c) · 1 mark · Gives a valid disadvantage of stainless steel: it is expensive (or similar).
B4 (d) · 1 mark · Compares a valid advantage and a valid disadvantage of mild steel relative to high-carbon steel (e.g., more malleable vs less hard).
Worked solution
a) Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, so it does not rust when used for saucepans, unlike mild steel.
b) High-carbon steel is harder and more resistant to wear, making it more suitable for the blade of a garden spade.
c) Stainless steel is much more expensive than the other types of steel.
d) Mild steel is more malleable (easier to shape), but less hard and less resistant to wear compared to high-carbon steel.