Assertion (A): Cast iron is generally hard, brittle and wear resistant...
Assertion (A): Cast iron is generally hard, brittle, and wear-resistant.
Reason (R): Cast iron contains more than 2% carbon and as such, the percentage of cementite in it is higher.
Explanation:
Cast Iron:
- Cast iron is a group of iron-carbon alloys with a carbon content greater than 2%.
- It is named so because it is cast into molds to produce various shapes and sizes.
- Cast iron is widely used in engineering applications due to its desirable properties such as high hardness, good castability, excellent wear resistance, and low cost.
Assertion (A): Cast iron is generally hard, brittle, and wear-resistant.
- Cast iron is known for its hardness, which is primarily due to the presence of carbon in the alloy.
- The carbon content in cast iron is typically between 2% and 4%, which is much higher than in other forms of iron.
- The high carbon content promotes the formation of a hard and brittle phase called cementite (Fe3C) in the microstructure of cast iron.
- The presence of cementite makes cast iron hard and brittle, contributing to its wear resistance.
Reason (R): Cast iron contains more than 2% carbon and as such, the percentage of cementite in it is higher.
- Reason (R) correctly states that cast iron contains more than 2% carbon.
- The percentage of carbon in cast iron can range from 2% to 4% or even higher, depending on the specific alloy composition.
- The higher carbon content leads to a higher percentage of cementite in the microstructure of cast iron.
- Cementite is a hard and brittle phase that contributes to the overall hardness and wear resistance of cast iron.
Conclusion:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are individually true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- The high carbon content in cast iron leads to the formation of cementite, which imparts hardness, brittleness, and wear resistance to the material.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Mechanical Engineering study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Mechanical Engineering.