Final answer:
A metallic element added to steel to increase its strength can include manganese, chromium, or nickel, among others, all of which enhance the properties of steel, making it a crucial material in modern construction and for superalloys used in demanding applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A metallic element that is added to steel to increase its strength can be one of several including manganese, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or vanadium. Steel is essentially iron that has had impurities removed and then is combined with other elements to create an alloy with desired properties. For instance, carbon is added to make steel harder, manganese to make it stronger, and chromium to prevent rusting. Each element contributes to the improved properties of steel, enhancing its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, which makes it indispensable in the construction of structures like skyscrapers and stadiums.
Superalloys are a category of high-strength alloys which often include a complex composition based on cobalt, nickel, and iron. These are employed in situations that demand exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures, demonstrating the versatile application of metallic elements in improving material properties.