Diamond structure: Each carbon atom is tetrahedral surrounded with 4 carbon atoms. How do I get to the number of carbon atoms in the elemental steel?
1 Answer
You mean the number of carbon atoms in carbon steel......
Explanation:
TO a first approximation, the atoms in carbon steel are ALL iron.....however, carbon steel is an alloy, that contains SOME quantity of carbon, that is incorporated in the iron lattice, approx., 1-2% by mass. This is the province of the materials chemist or engineer rather than the chemist. In stainless steel, the atoms are all iron.
Why should we use alloys rather than stainless steels? Well, an alloy gives a material of different properties. And a stainless steel knife versus a carbon steel knife has one signal difference. It is very easy to sharpen a carbon steel knife, whereas it is not so easy to hone an edge on a stainless steel knife....try this in the kitchen (I am talking about end usage; the first time you use any knife it is razor-sharp, the edge dulls with usage, and must be rehoned; this is why you see chefs giving their knives a once over with a specialist sharpening steel before carving up the meat joint.)
On the other hand, stainless steels are non-reactive....you cut a boiled egg with a carbon steel knife, the blade can discolour the egg.
