Pure iron is considered a strong metal, but it's not as strong as other materials like steel.
While it is crucial for making steel, pure iron on its own has limitations when it comes to overall strength. The reference states that pure iron has a yield strength of around 7250 psi. This is significant, but it is less than that of steel.
Comparing Iron and Steel Strength
To understand the strength of pure iron, let's look at a comparison with steel:
| Material | Yield Strength (psi) |
|---|---|
| Pure Iron | ~7250 |
| Steel | 30,000 - 50,000+ |
Key Points about Iron's Strength
- Good Base Material: Pure iron, while not incredibly strong on its own, serves as a vital base for making stronger alloys like steel.
- Yield Strength: The yield strength of 7250 psi for pure iron means that it starts to deform at that stress level.
- Comparison to Steel: Steel, with yield strengths ranging from 30,000 to over 50,000 psi, demonstrates a clear advantage in structural applications.
- Crucial Component: The reference highlights that iron is "a very strong metal, and that's why it's such a crucial part of the makeup of steel." This indicates that iron's strength is important as a constituent material for stronger metals.
Why is Steel Stronger?
Steel is stronger than pure iron because of the addition of other elements, such as carbon. These additions improve the crystal structure and prevent the iron from deforming as easily.
In conclusion, pure iron is a strong metal that is used to make stronger materials, but by itself, it is not as strong as steel.
