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Pizza ovens can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, clay, steel and cast iron - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question a - 2017
Question a
Pizza ovens can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, clay, steel and cast iron. The pizza oven shown is manufactured from cast iron. (i) Explai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Pizza ovens can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, clay, steel and cast iron - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question a - 2017
Step 1
Explain two reasons why cast iron is used in the manufacture of this pizza oven.
Answer
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Heat Retention: Cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention properties. It can absorb heat effectively and retains it longer than materials like steel. This characteristic ensures that once the pizza oven reaches the desired temperature, it maintains that heat for an extended period, allowing for consistent cooking even after the fire has been extinguished.
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Heat Distribution: The dense nature of cast iron allows it to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. This feature helps to achieve uniform cooking results, reducing the chances of hot or cold spots in the oven, which can affect the quality of the pizza.
Step 2
Distinguish between the composition of cast iron and the composition of low carbon steel.
Answer
Cast iron typically contains a higher carbon content, ranging from 2.5% to 4.0%, along with varying amounts of silicon, manganese, and sulfur. This composition contributes to its brittleness and excellent casting properties. In contrast, low carbon steel contains up to 0.3% carbon, which impacts its machinability and ductility, making it more malleable and easier to work with compared to cast iron.