Wrought iron — characteristic properties Which of the following statements correctly describes wrought iron?

Introduction / Context:
Wrought iron is a low-carbon iron with fibrous slag inclusions, historically produced by puddling or similar processes. Its distinctive microstructure gives it particular mechanical properties and fabrication advantages, which made it popular before modern low-carbon steels became widespread.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Very low carbon content (typically < 0.08%).
• Distributed slag stringers that impart a “fibrous” appearance on fracture.
• Traditional forming processes include forging and welding.

Concept / Approach:
Wrought iron is known for high ductility and good forgeability/weldability. It can be readily worked hot and joined by forge welding. However, despite its ductility, its toughness under sudden, severe impact is limited compared with modern alloy steels; it is not intended for applications involving abrupt, excessive shock loads. Thus, all listed statements together describe wrought iron accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Check ductility: low carbon and ferritic matrix → good ductility → statement (a) true.Check workability: traditional forging and welding are easy due to low carbon and cleanliness → statement (b) true.Check shock resistance: although ductile, wrought iron lacks the high impact toughness of alloy steels, especially across slag planes → statement (c) true.Therefore, select “all of these.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical uses include gates, rivets, chains, and decorative work requiring forming and welding; high-impact structural duties were later assigned to steels with superior toughness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Any single statement ignores the full property profile.
• “Extremely hard and brittle” is the opposite of wrought iron’s behavior.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming ductility implies high impact resistance under all conditions; microstructural anisotropy and low strength limit performance against sudden excessive shocks.

Final Answer:
all of these