Steels and brass are not chemical compounds but alloys.
Brass: an alloy of copper, generally with zinc, but also with Mn, As, Si, P, Al.
Steel: an alloy of iron with C, Si, V, Mo, Si, Mn, Ti, Cr, Co, Ni, etc.
William T. Hall has written: 'The chemical and metallographic examination of iron, steel and brass' -- subject(s): Metallography, Analysis, Steel, Iron, Brass
No, steel is generally heavier than brass. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with a density greater than that of brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc.
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Linear Temperature Expansion Coefficient (10-6 in/in oF) Brass = 10.4 Steel = 7.3 Therefore brass will expand or contract more steel.
Steel is stronger.
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You can mark or slightly dent steel with a brass punch, but the steel is always going to win.
The method to separate steel nails from brass screws is called magnetic separation. Since steel is magnetic while brass is not, a magnet can be used to attract and separate the steel nails from the brass screws.
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