ANS:C - mild steel

Mild steel is a type of carbon steel that contains a relatively low amount of carbon, typically ranging from 0.05% to 0.25% by weight. It is one of the most commonly used types of steel due to its versatility, affordability, and ease of fabrication. Mild steel is also known as low carbon steel or plain carbon steel. Here are some key characteristics and properties of mild steel:

1. Carbon content: Mild steel contains a low percentage of carbon compared to other types of steel. This low carbon content contributes to its relatively soft and ductile nature, making it easy to bend, weld, and form into various shapes.
2. Strength: Mild steel has moderate tensile strength and hardness, making it suitable for a wide range of applications where strength and durability are required but extreme hardness is not necessary. It is commonly used in structural applications such as construction, bridges, and machinery.
3. Ductility: Mild steel exhibits good ductility, meaning it can be easily stretched or bent without breaking. This property makes it suitable for applications that require forming or shaping processes such as rolling, bending, or forging.
4. Weldability: Mild steel is highly weldable, allowing it to be easily joined using various welding techniques such as arc welding, MIG welding, or TIG welding. This makes it a preferred material for welded structures and components.
5. Machinability: Mild steel has good machinability, allowing it to be easily machined, drilled, and cut using standard machining processes. This property makes it suitable for manufacturing processes that require precise shaping or machining operations.
6. Corrosion resistance: While mild steel is susceptible to corrosion in certain environments, it can be protected from rusting by applying coatings such as paint, zinc plating, or galvanizing.

Overall, mild steel is a versatile and widely used material in various industries due to its combination of strength, ductility, weldability, and affordability. It is commonly found in construction, automotive manufacturing, machinery, and general fabrication applications.