Final answer:
Steel is an alloy consisting mainly of iron and a small percentage of carbon, along with other elements like manganese and chromium for improved properties. It is widely used due to its strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steel is primarily made from iron and a small amount of carbon, typically ranging from 0.04% to 2.5%. This mixture creates an alloy known for its strength and durability, which are further enhanced by adding other elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium. Other impurities in the iron are removed to ensure that the final steel does not become brittle. Therefore, steel is an essential material widely used in various applications from building construction to manufacturing of tools and machinery, owing to its structural integrity and resistance to corrosion.
Alloys like brass, made from copper and zinc, and bronze, composed of copper and tin, are also known for their unique properties, but steel's combination of iron and carbon is specifically valued for its strength and versatility in different industries.