Nickel (Ni) is commonly used as an alloying element in steel to improve hardenability. Hardenability refers to the ability of steel to form martensite when quenched. Nickel increases hardenability by slowing down the transformation from austenite to pearlite or bainite, allowing for a deeper hardening depth. Additionally, Ni lowers the \( M_s \) temperature, which is the temperature at which martensite starts to form. This results in a more favorable condition for forming martensite at lower temperatures.
Thus, the correct statement is that Hardenability is increased and the \( M_s \) temperature is lowered. Therefore, Option A is correct.
Step 1: Analyzing each option
- Option (A): Hardenability is increased AND the \( M_s \) temperature is lowered.
- Correct: Ni increases hardenability and lowers the \( M_s \) temperature, making this statement accurate.
- Option (B): Hardenability is decreased AND the \( M_s \) temperature is lowered.
- Incorrect: Ni increases hardenability, not decreases it. Hence, this option is incorrect.
- Option (C): Hardenability is increased AND the \( M_s \) temperature is raised.
- Incorrect: Although Ni increases hardenability, it actually lowers the \( M_s \) temperature, not raises it.
- Option (D): Hardenability is decreased AND the \( M_s \) temperature is raised.
- Incorrect: Ni does not decrease hardenability, and it does not raise the \( M_s \) temperature.
Step 2: Conclusion
The correct answer is Option A.