Malleability refers to the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Metals tend to be more malleable than nonmetals. Within the periodic table, elements that are metals are located to the left and toward the center, while nonmetals are to the right and upward.
Let's consider the provided options:
- Copper (Cu) is a metal known for its excellent malleability and ductility. It's certainly not the least malleable among the options given.
- Phosphorus (P) is a nonmetal, and nonmetals are generally brittle in their solid state and not malleable.
- Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth metal and, like most metals, has a certain degree of malleability.
- Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid, which means it has properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, but it's still more malleable than nonmetals.
Based on the above considerations and general periodic table trends, phosphorus (P), being a nonmetal, is likely the least malleable in its solid state among the options given.
Use the periodic table to answer the question.
Based on patterns in the periodic table, which element is the least malleable in its solid state?
(1 point)
Responses
copper (Cu)
copper (Cu)
phosphorus (P)
phosphorus (P)
strontium (Sr)
strontium (Sr)
antimony (Sb)
antimony (Sb)
1 answer
1 answer