1. Material Composition:

• Iron: Iron is an abundant element found in nature. Pure iron does not contain carbon and is a soft metal.

• Steel: Steel is a material created by alloying iron with carbon. It typically contains carbon in the range of
0.2% to 2.1%, but the presence of other alloying elements in steel can also affect its properties.

2. Hardness:

• Iron: Pure iron is a soft metal and has low hardness.

• Steel: Steel becomes harder when carbon is added, and different types of steel can have varying levels of hardness. Therefore, steel can be used in a wide range of applications.

3. Durability:

• Iron: Pure iron is susceptible to oxidation and rusting.

• Steel: Steel is more resistant to oxidation and can undergo various coating or rust-prevention processes to enhance its durability.

4. Applications:

• Iron: Pure iron is typically used in structural supports, but harder and more durable types of steel are preferred for many industrial applications.

• Steel: Steel is widely used in various industrial and construction applications. It is commonly used in the automotive industry, machinery, buildings, vehicles, cutting tools, and many other fields.

In summary, the key difference between iron and steel lies in the presence of carbon and other alloying elements in steel, which affect their properties, hardness, and durability. Steel is made stronger and more versatile by adding carbon to iron.