Which metal category is magnetic and commonly used in structural components due to iron content?

• A. Ferrous metal
• B. Non-ferrous metal
• C. Stainless steel
• D. Alloy

Answer: (A)

Magnetic behavior linked to iron content is the key idea. Ferrous metals are materials that contain iron, and iron’s magnetic domains make these metals attract magnets. This is why ferrous metals are commonly used in structural components—they’re strong, workable, and readily available, with iron giving them reliable magnetic properties that fit many engineering applications. Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron and are typically non-magnetic, so they don’t match the prompt. Stainless steel is a ferrous alloy, but its magnetic behavior can vary with its crystal structure, so the broad category that best fits both the presence of iron and typical magnetism is ferrous metal. An alloy is a general term for a material made from multiple elements and doesn’t specify iron content or magnetism.