Question

12
stainless steel is a synthetic material made of iron mixed with other elements. one common use of stainless steel is in forks and spoons used for eating.
other materials could also be used for making forks and spoons. the following table lists some properties of several materials.

material	strength	density (g/cm³)	cost	other
iron	strong	7.9	lowest	rusts
silver	bends and scratches	10.5	high	tarnishes
wood	can break	0.6	low	absorbs water

which statement best explains why forks and spoons are most commonly made of stainless steel instead of the other materials listed?
a. stainless steel is durable and inexpensive.
b. stainless steel is abundant in nature.
c. stainless steel is light and flexible.
d. stainless steel can be formed into many shapes.

Explanation:

The table shows stainless steel is the strongest (durable) and has low cost. Iron rusts, silver is high cost and bends, wood breaks—so stainless steel’s durability and low cost make it ideal for forks/spoons.

Answer:

A. Stainless steel is durable and inexpensive.