Final answer:
Tempering and quenching steel is a process used to control the diffusion and precipitation of carbon in the matrix.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tempering and quenching steel is a process used to control the diffusion and precipitation of carbon in the matrix. Carbon is an important element in steel as it enhances the hardness and strength of the material. When steel is tempered, it is heated and then slowly cooled to allow the carbon to diffuse and form small and evenly distributed particles, resulting in increased toughness. On the other hand, quenching involves rapidly cooling the steel to obtain a hardened structure by trapping the carbon atoms in a supersaturated state.