All matter is composed of one or a combination of two or more of over a hundred elements which make up the periodic table. About 20 of these are used in the manufacture of carbon and alloy steels. Some are used because of the specific properties they impart to steel
when alloyed with it; others are included to rid the steel of impurities or to render impurities harmless.
The elements of the periodic table, their chemical symbols and atomic numbers are listed in 14.
