Which of the following can be a characteristic of ferrous metals?

Ferrous metals are primarily composed of iron, which is their defining characteristic. This category includes materials such as steel and cast iron, which derive their names from this primary element. The significant presence of iron gives ferrous metals their unique properties, including strength and magnetism. Understanding that ferrous metals contain iron is crucial for identifying their applications and behaviors in various environments, particularly in construction and manufacturing, where iron's properties are advantageous.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the characteristics of ferrous metals. For example, they are generally more susceptible to corrosion compared to many nonferrous metals, have higher melting points than many nonferrous counterparts, and are widely used in structural applications due to their strength and durability. These distinctions make the knowledge of ferrous metals critical in fields such as engineering and metallurgy.