Correct option is B
The terms can be arranged in order of increasing abstractness as follows:
1.
Steel (C): A specific type of alloy made primarily from iron and carbon. It is the least abstract as it refers to a distinct material.
2.
Alloy (A): A mixture of two or more metals (or metals and non-metals). This is slightly more abstract than steel because it refers to a category, not a specific material.
3.
Metal (B): A broader term that encompasses all elements with metallic properties, including pure metals and those used in alloys.
4.
Mineral (D): The most abstract term, as it refers to naturally occurring inorganic substances, including ores from which metals are extracted.
Information Booster: ·
Steel:
· Composed of iron and carbon.
· Specific example of an alloy with tailored properties.
·
Alloy:
· Includes mixtures like brass (copper and zinc) or bronze (copper and tin).
· Broader category than steel.
·
Metal:
· Includes elements like iron, copper, and aluminum.
· Defines properties like conductivity, malleability, and ductility.
·
Mineral:
· Naturally occurring substances like hematite (iron ore) or bauxite (aluminum ore).
· Most abstract, as it involves raw materials that might not yet exhibit metallic properties.