Question

Which of the following qualities is not a characteristic of the metals?

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

Hint:

Metals bend, non-metals break. Malleability and ductility describe ways of bending and reshaping, while fragility describes breaking.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Define the properties.

Malleability: The ability to be hammered or pressed into a thin sheet.
Hardness: Resistance to scratching or indentation.
Ductility: The ability to be drawn into a wire.
Fragility: The tendency to break or shatter with little to no plastic deformation.

Step 2: Relate the properties to metals. Malleability, ductility, and a general degree of hardness are all hallmark characteristics of most metals. Fragility, however, is the opposite of ductility and malleability. It is a property more commonly associated with non-metallic materials like ceramics and glass. While some metals can be brittle, fragility is not a general, defining characteristic of the metal group.