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A steel with an unknown carbon concentration is analyzed, and it was determined that the equilibrium microstructure consisted of:

a) 10% proeutectoid cementite
b) 90% pearlite
c) 20% martensite
d) 5% ferrite

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Steels are alloys primarily composed of iron and carbon, with varying amounts of other elements. The carbon content determines their properties. The equilibrium microstructure of the analyzed steel consists of different phases, including proeutectoid cementite, pearlite, martensite, and ferrite. Hence the correct answer is option D

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is Chemistry. Steels are a family of alloys primarily composed of iron and carbon, with varying amounts of other elements. The carbon content in steel determines its properties, such as strength and hardness.

In this analysis, the steel in question consists of 10% proeutectoid cementite, which is a form of iron carbide, and 90% pearlite, which is a lamellar structure formed when steel is slowly cooled. Additionally, there is 20% martensite, a hardened form of steel, and 5% ferrite, which is a body-centered cubic form of iron.

Hence the correct answer is option D