Question

The carbon content required in steels to produce scissors and knives is

• A. 0.8\% – 0.9\% C
• B. 0.4\% – 0.5\% C
• C. 0.2\% – 0.3\% C
• D. 1.3\% – 1.4\% C

Hint:

High-carbon steels (~0.8% – 1.0%) are ideal for cutting tools, whereas higher carbon steels (~1.5%) are used for specialized, hardened tools.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The carbon content in steel plays a crucial role in determining the hardness, strength, and ductility of the material. Different applications require specific ranges of carbon content. Step 1: Understanding Carbon Steel Classification - Low-carbon steel (0.05% – 0.3%) is used for general construction purposes and has low hardness. - Medium-carbon steel (0.3% – 0.6%) is used in automotive components, providing a balance between strength and ductility. - High-carbon steel (0.6% – 1.5%) is used for tools, knives, and cutting instruments because of its high hardness and ability to hold sharp edges.


Step 2: Evaluating the Options - Option (A) - Correct: 0.8% – 0.9% C is ideal for the production of tools like scissors and knives, as it provides the right balance of hardness and toughness. - Option (B) - Incorrect: 0.4% – 0.5% C is too low for tools requiring sharpness and wear resistance. - Option (C) - Incorrect: 0.2% – 0.3% C is used for low-strength applications like structural steel. - Option (D) - Incorrect: 1.3% – 1.4% C would make the steel too brittle, making it unsuitable for scissors and knives.


Step 3: Conclusion The correct carbon content for scissors and knives is 0.8% – 0.9% C, which provides the necessary strength and sharpness, making option (A) the correct answer.