Which metals are commonly alloying elements in mild steel?

Mild steel is primarily composed of iron and carbon, but it often includes alloying elements to enhance its properties. Manganese is a common alloying element that improves toughness and hardenability. Silicon is added to improve resistance to oxidation and deoxidation during the steel-making process. Carbon itself is a fundamental component of mild steel, influencing strength and flexibility. Copper is sometimes included in small amounts to enhance corrosion resistance.

The other options include elements and metals that are either not typically used in mild steel or serve different roles in metallurgy. For instance, zinc is primarily used for galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion, but it is not an alloying element in mild steel. Nickel, aluminum, and lead have their specific applications but are not standard constituents of mild steel. The final option lists reactive metals that do not contribute beneficially to the properties of mild steel. Therefore, the first group accurately reflects the alloying elements commonly found in mild steel.