Properties and uses of different kinds of steel
2 marks · HardA company is deciding between using high-carbon steel or stainless steel for manufacturing outdoor garden tools. Compare one key advantage and one disadvantage of using stainless steel instead of high-carbon steel for this purpose.
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.
Show answer
Also accept: Advantage: stainless steel does not rust easily / does not corrode outdoors; Disadvantage: stainless steel costs more / is more expensive to manufacture
Common mistakes: Mixing up which steel is more brittle or hard; Omitting cost as a disadvantage
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · One advantage of stainless steel for outdoor garden tools (e.g., highly resistant to corrosion/rust).
B2 · 1 mark · One disadvantage of stainless steel for outdoor garden tools (e.g., significantly more expensive than high-carbon steel).
Worked solution
Advantage: Stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion and rust than high-carbon steel, so it lasts longer outside.
Disadvantage: Stainless steel is significantly more expensive than high-carbon steel, increasing manufacturing costs.