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The Melting Point of Steel — Reading Comprehension

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RI.6.3
RI.7.1

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This engaging science passage, 'The Melting Point of Steel,' explains a key physical property of steel—its melting point. Aimed

CONTENT PREVIEW

Steel is one of the most useful materials in the world. It is used to build bridges, skyscrapers, cars, and even kitchen tools. But have you ever wondered what happens to steel when it gets very hot?

Like all solids, steel has a melting point—the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid. The melting point of steel is around 1,370 to 1,540 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of steel. That’s much hotter than the melting point of ice or even many metals! This high temperature is why steel is known for being strong and durable.

Steel is made mostly of iron, with a small amount of carbon and sometimes other elements. These extra elements can change the melting point slightly. For example, stainless steel, which resists rust, may melt at a slightly different temperature than regular carbon steel.

The melting point of steel is a physical property. That means it can be measured without changing what the steel is made of. When steel melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid, but it is still steel.

Understanding the melting point of steel is important in many industries. For example, in construction and manufacturing, steel must be melted and shaped into tools, beams, or machines. Workers need special equipment that can handle extremely high heat to work with molten steel safely.

In summary, the melting point of steel is much higher than many other materials. It is a physical property that helps us shape, use, and understand this strong and valuable material.

Fun Fact: The Eiffel Tower can grow more than 6 inches (15 cm) taller in the summer because steel expands when it's heated

What is the main idea of the passage?

How to build with steelThe uses of stainless steel in homesWhy steel is hard to meltThe melting point of steel and why it matters

What does the term melting point mean?

The point at which a metal becomes magneticThe temperature when a solid becomes a liquidThe time it takes for steel to cool downThe heat level when metal burns

According to the passage, why is steel considered a useful material?

It melts easilyIt can float on waterIt is strong and durableIt is soft and flexible

What elements is steel mostly made of?

Copper and zincIron and carbonAluminum and magnesiumNickel and sulfur

Which sentence best supports the idea that steel’s melting point is a physical property?

Steel is used in bridges and skyscrapers.The Eiffel Tower grows in the summer.Steel melts into a liquid but stays the same substance.Carbon steel is cheaper to produce than stainless steel.

Why does stainless steel have a slightly different melting point than regular steel?

It has no carbon in itIt is made from plasticIt contains other metals like chromium or nickelIt’s older than regular steel

What is the purpose of the “Fun Fact” at the end of the passage?

To explain why steel is used in cookingTo give a real-world example of how steel reacts to heatTo compare the Eiffel Tower to other buildingsTo describe how steel is shaped

What is most likely true about working with molten steel?

It can be done with basic toolsIt doesn’t require any safety gearIt must be done at low temperaturesIt needs special equipment that can handle high heat