Question

If a non-metal is added to the interstitial sites of a metal then the metal becomes
A) Softer
B) Less tensile
C) Less malleable
D) More ductile

Answer 1

Hint: The addition of any non metal in some metal causes defects in the metal crystal. This defect introduces certain new properties in the metal. This non metal acts as an impurity and occupies the vacant site or the interstitial space in the metal.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
When a nonmetal occupies the position of the constituent atom of any metal or it occupies the intestinal space of the metal then defects arise. This defect causes many changes in the property of the metal as follows:
- Addition of non metal to metal makes the metal harder.
- Addition of non metal to the metal makes the metal less tensile due to more strong binding of the metal.
- Addition of non metal to the metal makes the metal more malleable due to more strong binding of the metal and increase in the hardness of the metal.
- Addition of non metal to the metal makes the metal less ductile.
Thus we can write that if a non-metal is added to the interstitial sites of a metal then the metal becomes less tensile.
Thus the correct option is B.

Note: Metals are high conductors of heat and electricity and nonmetals are the weak conductor of heat and electricity. Addition of non metals to the metals decreases the conductivity of the metal.