Question

Stainless steel is a:
(A) homogenous mixture
(B) heterogeneous mixture
(C) a solid solution of two immiscible liquid
(D) pure substance

Answer 1

Hint: Stainless steel is a metal alloy, made up of steel mixed with elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, silicon, aluminium & carbon. Iron with carbon mixed to form steel is the main component of stainless steel.

Complete step by step solution:
As you know from your chemistry lesson that Chromium is added to stainless steel to make it rust-resistant. The addition of nickel enhances corrosion resistance in case of excessive usage. The addition of molybdenum gives localized corrosion resistance against scarring. Other alloying metals like copper, titanium and vanadium are also added in order to improve the structure of stainless steel. In all, there are more than 150 grades of steel, but only 15 types are used regularly in industries or homes.
-Stainless steel is used for making kitchen utensils because it does not affect the food flavour. It is used to manufacture cookware, kitchen cutlery, industrial equipment, construction materials and hardware appliances. It is also used in commercial kitchens and food processing plants.
-Stainless steel is a strong substance, it is not a good conductor of electricity as it is ductile, magnetic, retains its strength and cutting edge regardless of temperature. The five major types of stainless steel are Ferritic, Martensitic, Precipitation Hardening, Austenitic and Duplex.
-Ferritic stainless steel contains 30% chromium which has a crystal structure. It is known to have ferromagnetic properties as well as malleability and ductility. Ferritic stainless steel lacks high-temperature mechanical properties.
-Martensitic stainless steel is a mixture of carbon and 18% chromium. It can be hardened by heat treatments. It is known to have ferromagnetic properties and less corrosion resistance.

Thus the correct option will be (B).

Note: Heterogeneous mixtures are those mixtures which are not uniform in their composition and particles are divided non- uniformly and have more than two phases.