Stainless Steel Is Less Susceptible to Rusting Than Iron Because

Stainless steel is less susceptible to rusting than iron because __________

A) it is coated with plastic.
B) the metals other than iron in the alloy are oxidized more easily, forming protective oxides.
C) the carbon within the alloy polymerizes to form a protective film.
D) the silicon within the alloy oxidizes to form a protective silicate layer.
E) the intermetallic compound formed is less reactive.