Cast iron

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cast-iron

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the composition range?Carbon content typically 1.8-4 wt%, silicon content 1-3 wt%
2. What is the historical origin?Earliest artifacts discovered in China, dating to the 8th century BC
3. Why is cast iron so strong and useful?The mix of iron, carbon, and silicon makes cast iron very hard and resistant to wear. It can hold heavy loads and keep its shape even when it gets hot.
4. How did people first start using cast iron?The earliest cast iron pieces were made in China around the 8th century BC. They used it to make weapons, farming tools, and parts of buildings.

Alloy: A metallic substance composed of two or more elements, typically metals, to enhance specific properties.
Cementite: An iron carbide compound (Fe3C) found in white cast iron, contributing to its hardness and brittleness.
Graphite Nodules: Spherical or rounded particles of graphite found in ductile cast iron, improving its toughness and ductility.
Castability: The measure of a metal's ability to be melted and poured into intricate mold shapes without defects.