Question

A piece of chalk can be broken into small particles by hammering but a piece of iron cannot be broken into small particles. Which characteristic of the particles of matter is illustrated by these observations?

Answer 1

Here the intermolecular forces of attraction between the particles are identified or mentioned. Since in chalk the particles forces between the chalk particles are not so strong hence they can be easily broken up while the interparticle distance between the particles of iron is strong as there are strong metallic bonds between them. Hence they cannot be easily broken down.