Source: Extra Practice

We can beat certain materials into thin sheets, and draw others into thin wires. What are these two properties called, and which category of elements primarily exhibits them?

Options

Option A

Sonority and Conductivity; Non-metals

Option B is correct

Malleability and Ductility; Metals

Option C

Hardness and Brittleness; Non-metals

Option D

Lustre and Sonority; Metals

Explanation

The ability of a material to be beaten into thin sheets is called malleability, and the ability to be drawn into thin wires is called ductility. These are characteristic physical properties primarily exhibited by metals. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally brittle, meaning they break easily when hammered or stretched, and thus cannot be easily shaped into sheets or wires.