Which property describes metals' ability to be drawn into wires?

Which property describes metals' ability to be drawn into wires?

• A. Malleability
• B. Hardness
• C. Brittleness
• D. Ductility

Answer: (D)

Ductility describes metals' ability to be drawn into wires. It means a metal can undergo significant plastic deformation when pulled in tension, elongating into a thin strand rather than snapping. This quality comes from the way metallic bonds and the crystal structure allow layers of atoms to slide past one another without breaking, so the material can be stretched into a wire. Metals like copper and gold are classic examples because they remain intact while stretched into long, continuous threads. Malleability, in contrast, is the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Hardness refers to resistance to deformation or scratching, and brittleness is the tendency to crack or fracture without significant shaping.

Ductility describes metals' ability to be drawn into wires. It means a metal can undergo significant plastic deformation when pulled in tension, elongating into a thin strand rather than snapping. This quality comes from the way metallic bonds and the crystal structure allow layers of atoms to slide past one another without breaking, so the material can be stretched into a wire. Metals like copper and gold are classic examples because they remain intact while stretched into long, continuous threads.

Malleability, in contrast, is the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Hardness refers to resistance to deformation or scratching, and brittleness is the tendency to crack or fracture without significant shaping.