Final answer:
Stainless steel is an alloy with at least 12% chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion, maintaining the alloy's strength and flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stainless steel is an alloy that combines the properties of iron and chromium to form a material that maintains the strength and flexibility of steel while significantly improving its corrosion resistance. This is due to the presence of a minimum of 12% chromium, which tends to migrate to the surface and form a passivating oxide layer that protects the underlying iron from further corrosion. Stainless steels often contain other elements such as nickel to enhance their properties and are used widely in applications from kitchen utensils to skyscraper construction because of their durability and resistance to environmental impacts.