Final answer:
The statement regarding the normalizing process of steel is false because steel is air cooled after being heated into the austenite region, not furnace cooled as the statement suggests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that normalizing of steel involves heating into the fully austenite region followed by furnace cooling is false. Normalizing of steel actually comprises heating the steel into the austenite region and then following this heating process with air cooling, not furnace cooling. When a blacksmith heats solid iron, it becomes less rigid and more malleable. The heat energy transferred to the iron atoms causes them to vibrate and move more freely, which makes the iron easy to work with.
When discussing transformations within a blast furnace, we’re looking at a process where molten iron is produced. Carbon monoxide is generated in the hotter bottom regions and moves upward to reduce iron oxides into pure iron in the upper regions, facilitated by various reactions at different temperature zones.
However, the proper normalization process for steel aims at refining the grain size, enhancing the uniformity of microstructure and hardness. This prepares the steel for further heat treatment steps or enhances its mechanical properties for final use.