Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which of the following is a property of metals?

1. Brittle and dull

2. Good insulators of heat

3. Ductile and malleable

4. Low melting points

The correct answer is: Ductile and malleable

Metals are known for their unique properties that set them apart from non-metals. The correct choice highlights two of these key characteristics: ductility and malleability. Ductility refers to the ability of a material to be drawn into a wire without breaking. This property allows metals to be stretched and formed into various shapes without losing their structural integrity. Malleability, on the other hand, is the ability of a substance to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets. Metals can undergo significant deformation under stress and still retain their composition, which makes them highly versatile for various applications, from construction to electronics. Both of these properties are a result of metallic bonding, where the atoms within metals are arranged in such a way that they can slide past each other without breaking their bonds. This characteristic is in stark contrast to materials labeled as brittle, which break or shatter under stress, and helps to explain why metals are often preferred in applications where flexibility and durability are crucial. In the context of the other choices, the properties of being brittle and dull, good insulators of heat, and low melting points do not accurately represent metals. Metals tend to be lustrous, excellent conductors of heat, and typically have high melting points, reinforcing the unique