Question

A piece of chalk can be broken into small particles when hammered but it is not possible to do so in case of an iron bar. Explain.

Answer 1

Here the intermolecular forces of attraction between the particles are observed.

• In chalk, the forces of attraction between the particles of chalk are not so strong and hence they are easily broken into small pieces when hammered.
• While the inter-particle distance between the particles in an iron bar is strong as compared to the chalk as there are strong metallic bonds between them. Hence they cannot be easily broken down.