What is the purest form of iron?
- A. Cast Iron
- B. Pig Iron
- C. Wrought Iron
- D. Steel
Answer: C. Wrought Iron
The purest form of iron is wrought iron. It contains a very low carbon content, typically between 0.12% and 0.25%, compared to other forms of iron like cast iron and steel which have higher carbon percentages.
Here’s a breakdown of the carbon content in different forms of iron:
- Wrought iron: 0.12% to 0.25% carbon
- Cast iron: 2% to 4% carbon
- Steel: 0.2% to 2% carbon
Due to its low carbon content, wrought iron is considered the purest form of commercially available iron. It has various desirable properties like malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion, making it useful for various applications, including:
- Wrought iron fences and gates
- Ornamental railings and balconies
- Chains and anchors
- Decorative hardware
- Tools and utensils
However, wrought iron is more expensive to produce than other forms of iron and has been largely replaced by steel in many applications.