The GATE Grind

GATE 2026 MT – Question 15

Physical Metallurgy · Materials characterization · 1 mark · Multiple choice

During metallography, Nital is the most commonly used for etching _____________.

  1. Bronze
  2. Brass
  3. Mild Steel
  4. Aluminium

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) Mild Steel

Explanation

Nital is nitric acid in alcohol, widely used to reveal ferrite/pearlite and other microstructural features in carbon steels. Its selective attack develops contrast between constituents and grain boundaries. Among bronze, brass, mild steel and aluminium, the conventional application is **mild steel, C**.