(2) chromium, carbon and iron Explanation: Steel is an alloy made by combining iron and other elements, the most common of these being carbon. When carbon is used, its content in the steel is between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Other alloying elements sometimes used are manganese, chromium, vanadium and tungsten. Stainless steel s defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% to 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present.