Microstructures of Carbon Steels Quiz

Which microstructure in plain carbon steels is described as soft and ductile?

• Pearlite

• Ferrite

• Cementite

• Austenite

What is the main characteristic of pearlite in plain carbon steels?

• It is soft and ductile

• It is hard and strong, appears striped

• It is hard and brittle, forms a network

• It is non-metallic

Cementite, also known as Fe₃C, is best described as:

• Soft and malleable

• Hard and brittle, forms a network in high-carbon steels

• Flexible and elastic

• Easily melted

Which microstructure would you expect to find in the highest proportion in a low-carbon steel?

• Cementite

• Pearlite

• Ferrite

• Martensite

The striped appearance under a microscope in plain carbon steels is a feature of:

• Ferrite

• Pearlite

• Cementite

• Austenite

Which of the following is the chemical formula for cementite?

• FeO

• Fe₂O₃

• Fe₃C

• FeCO₃

In high-carbon steels, which microstructure forms a network?

• Ferrite

• Pearlite

• Cementite

• Martensite

Which microstructure is most responsible for the strength and hardness of plain carbon steels?

• Ferrite

• Pearlite

• Cementite

• Graphite

If a steel sample is described as being hard and brittle, which microstructure is likely dominant?

• Ferrite

• Pearlite

• Cementite

• Austenite

Which of the following statements is true about ferrite in plain carbon steels?

• It is hard and brittle

• It is soft and ductile

• It forms a network in high-carbon steels

• It appears striped under a microscope