Which metal is described as shiny, soft, malleable, ductile and strong and used to make steels and girders?

• A. Iron
• B. Stainless steel
• C. Mild Steel
• D. High carbon steel

Answer: (A)

The metal described is iron. Its surface can be shiny, and in its usable forms it is relatively soft and highly malleable, yet it remains ductile and can be made very strong when alloyed or worked into shapes. Steel and girders are made from iron alloys—the steel contains iron plus carbon and other elements to boost strength, and girders are commonly produced from this iron‑based material. The other options are not pure metals: stainless steel is an iron alloy with chromium and other elements that gives hardness and corrosion resistance; mild steel and high carbon steel are both varieties of steel (iron–carbon alloys) with different properties, but they are not the base metal on their own.