Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

What is the chemical composition of ferrite?

1. A mixture of iron and nickel

2. Pure iron

3. Iron and carbon

4. Alloyed with chromium

The correct answer is: Pure iron

Ferrite is defined as a solid solution of iron with a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure at room temperature. It primarily consists of pure iron, which is why the correct answer identifies it as such. Ferrite is the phase present in low-carbon steel and is characterized by its relatively soft and ductile nature, making it important in various applications. In steels, the amount of carbon present affects whether the iron is in the ferritic phase or if it has transformed into other structures like austenite or cementite. Nevertheless, in its pure form, ferrite is essentially composed of iron alone, distinguishing it from other forms of iron and iron alloys that may include elements like nickel, carbon, or chromium. These elements can produce different microstructures and mechanical properties, but they do not define ferrite itself.