ANS:C - brittle

Steel produced from phosphatic iron is typically brittle in nature. Phosphorus is a common impurity found in iron ore, and its presence in steel can have detrimental effects on its mechanical properties. When phosphorus is present in steel in excessive amounts, it can lead to embrittlement and reduce the ductility and toughness of the material. High levels of phosphorus in steel can promote the formation of brittle phosphide phases within the microstructure, which act as stress concentration sites and promote crack propagation. As a result, steel containing elevated levels of phosphorus tends to exhibit reduced resistance to fracture and impact, making it more prone to brittle failure. Therefore, steel produced from phosphatic iron is often characterized by its brittleness, which can limit its suitability for certain applications where toughness and ductility are essential properties.