Compared to non-metals, metals are generally known for which mechanical property?

Compared to non-metals, metals are generally known for which mechanical property?

• A. Brittle
• B. High ductility
• C. Very low density
• D. Poor conductivity

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how metals typically respond to mechanical stress, specifically their tendency to deform rather than crack. Metals are known for ductility, meaning they can undergo significant plastic deformation under tensile stress without fracturing. This behavior comes from metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized and bonds are non-directional, allowing layers of atoms to slide past each other when stretched or bent. That sliding enables metals to be drawn into wires or hammered into sheets, which is the hallmark of high ductility. Relative to non-metals, this property stands out because non-metals are more prone to brittle failure in many cases. The other statements don’t describe metals as a group: brittleness is more typical of many non-metals and some brittle metals, very low density isn’t a general metal trait since many metals are quite dense, and poor conductivity contradicts the well-known good electrical conductivity of metals.

The main idea being tested is how metals typically respond to mechanical stress, specifically their tendency to deform rather than crack. Metals are known for ductility, meaning they can undergo significant plastic deformation under tensile stress without fracturing. This behavior comes from metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized and bonds are non-directional, allowing layers of atoms to slide past each other when stretched or bent. That sliding enables metals to be drawn into wires or hammered into sheets, which is the hallmark of high ductility. Relative to non-metals, this property stands out because non-metals are more prone to brittle failure in many cases. The other statements don’t describe metals as a group: brittleness is more typical of many non-metals and some brittle metals, very low density isn’t a general metal trait since many metals are quite dense, and poor conductivity contradicts the well-known good electrical conductivity of metals.