ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Steel

Steel is a strong, durable material made from combining two things: iron and carbon.

Iron is a metal that is found naturally in mines and can be shaped into different objects, but it is not very strong on its own. Carbon is a black substance that can be found in things like coal and oil. When iron is mixed with small amounts of carbon, it becomes much harder and more resistant to damage.

To make steel, people use a big furnace called a "blast furnace". They put iron ore (rocks that have iron in them) and other materials into the furnace and heat them up very hot. This makes the iron melt and combine with the carbon to form steel. Then, the steel is cooled down and shaped into different forms, such as beams, pipes, or car parts.

Steel is used to make lots of strong objects that we use every day, like buildings, bridges, cars, and appliances. It's also used in manufacturing and construction because it is strong, durable, and affordable.