Question Details

The crystal structure of λ iron (austenite phase) is

Options

A

BCC

B

FCC

C

HCP

D

BCT

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

FCC

At 1539°C, iron cools from liquid to solid, it is in BCC structure and it is in δ-Ferrite stage. After cooling in temperature range from 1400°C to 910°C it contains FCC structure which is also known as γ-Austenite. After again cooling below 910°C, α-ferrite phase will start. 768°C temperature line in diagram is known as Curie point temp line, because it distinguishes the metal property as Magnetic and non-magnetic. Above 768°C, the metal is non-magnetic and below 768°C the metal is magnetic

Solution :

The correct option is FCC.

Step-by-Step Explanation:
Iron is allotropic, meaning it changes its crystal structure at different temperatures. By examining the temperature-time cooling curve of pure iron provided in the image, we can identify the following phases:
1. α-iron (Alpha phase / Ferrite): Below 912 °C, iron possesses a Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure, labeled in the diagram as "α - icon (BCC)". It is ferromagnetic below 770 °C and paramagnetic above it.
2. γ-iron (Gamma phase / Austenite): In the temperature range of 912 °C to 1394 °C, iron transitions into the austenite phase, which has a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure. In the diagram, this is shown as "γ - icon (FCC)" in the paramagnetic region. Note that the symbol "λ" in the question is a typo for "γ" (gamma) iron.
3. δ-iron (Delta phase): Above 1394 °C up to the melting point of 1538 °C, iron reverts to a Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure, labeled as "δ - icon (BCC)".

Consequently, the crystal structure of austenite (γ-iron) is FCC (Face-Centered Cubic).

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...