Question

What do you mean by malleability and ductility? How are these properties different in metals and non-metals?

Answer 1

The property of a substance to be hammered into thin sheets is called malleability. The property of a substance to be stretched into thin wires is called ductility. The property of malleability and ductility differs in metals and non-metals. Most of the metals have high degree of malleability and ductility; for example, aluminium, copper, gold, etc. However, non-metals are highly brittle and do not exhibit these properties; for example, coal and graphite (both contain carbon).