Book 26, Question 15 · Video
How was stainless steel discovered?
In 1913, a metal expert named Harry Brearley in England was testing steels to find one that wore well. He tossed away a sample that did not seem useful. Weeks later, he noticed it had not rusted, while the others had. It contained a metal called chromium, which forms a thin invisible skin that protects steel. Stainless steel is used in knives, forks, and sinks.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How was stainless steel discovered?
The Big Idea
Your forks and spoons stay shiny for years! They are made of stainless steel. It was discovered by accident!
Testing Steels
Step one: Testing Steels. In 1913, metal expert Harry Brearley in England was testing steels to find one that wore well. He tossed away a sample that did not seem useful.
No Rust
Step two: No Rust. Weeks later, he noticed it had not rusted, while the others had. He looked closer.
Chromium
Step three: Chromium. It contained a metal called chromium, which forms a thin invisible skin that protects steel. Stainless steel is used in knives, forks, and sinks.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Iron is the base. Chromium protects it. It stays shiny. It's used in sinks.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Chromium makes stainless steel shiny as well as rust-resistant. He checked the trash pile. Forks and spoons. Used in hospitals.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Put a stainless steel spoon in a cup of salty water. Put an iron nail in another cup. Wait a few days. Which one rusts? Why do you think that is?
Outro
Stainless steel was discovered when Harry Brearley noticed a tossed-away sample had not rusted. Chromium forms an invisible skin that protects it, so it stays shiny. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!