How does stainless steel differ from regular steel?

Stainless steel is fundamentally different from regular steel primarily due to its chromium content. The presence of chromium in stainless steel is what gives it its remarkable ability to resist corrosion and tarnishing. When chromium is added to steel, it forms a thin, protective oxide layer on the surface. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching the iron in the steel, which if unprotected, would lead to rust formation. This distinct characteristic is the primary reason stainless steel is preferred in environments prone to corrosion, such as in kitchen utensils, laboratory equipment, and industrial machinery.

Other attributes, such as weight, malleability, and cost, do not serve to differentiate stainless steel fundamentally from regular steel in the same way. Regular steel can vary greatly in weight and malleability depending on its specific composition and treatment, and while stainless steel can sometimes be more expensive due to its alloying elements, this isn't universally the case across all grades and types. Thus, the critical factor that sets stainless steel apart is indeed its chromium content, which provides essential corrosion resistance.