Question

Which of the following non-metal can be malleable?
A. Sulphur
B. Phosphorus
C. Nitrogen
D. Graphite

Answer 1

Hint: Malleability is defined as the ability of the material to deform to a greater extent under pressure. If malleable, a material may be flattered into thin sheets by hammering or rolling. In general, malleability increases with the increase in temperature.

Complete step by step answer:
Malleability refers to a physical property of matter, usually metals. It is basically the ability of a solid to bend or to be hammered into other shapes without breaking.
Now, among the given options, Graphite is malleable. This is because it consist of three carbon atoms and further there are weak attractions between the layers of atoms that can be easily broken. Therefore, graphite is soft and the layers can slide over each other, and hence making it slippery.
Moreover, the delocalized electrons are free to move through the structure and hence, graphite can easily conduct electricity. Under the conditions that are ideal, it is one of the most stable forms of carbon. This crystal carbon has a structure that is planar and layered and graphene is the term used to denote its each layer. Its structure is as shown:

Hence, option D is correct.

Note: One of the most important properties of graphite is that it is used as a dry lubricant for machines at high temperature where we cannot use oil. In modern times, it is usually consumed in steelmaking, brake linings, foundry facing etc. and hence it is one of the most prominently used things on the planet and would continue to be used in the years to come.