Question

What is meant by “brittleness”? Which type of elements usually show brittleness: metals or non-metals?

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, we first need to understand what physical properties are. The physical qualities of a material refer to the physical state of the substance without regard to its chemical or mechanical components. Texture, density, mass, melting and boiling temperatures, and electrical and thermal conductivity are among these qualities.

Complete answer:
Metals: A metal is a material that has a glossy appearance when freshly produced, polished, or shattered, and conducts electricity and heat reasonably well. Metals are either malleable or ductile (they may be hammered into thin sheets) (can be drawn into wires).
Non-Metals: In chemistry, a nonmetal (or nonmetal) is a chemical element that lacks many of the properties of metals. A nonmetal has a low melting point, boiling point, and density in terms of physical properties. When solid, a nonmetal is typically brittle, and it has poor thermal and electrical conductivity.
Brittleness: Brittleness is a quality of a material that cracks when stressed yet has a small tendency to distort before breaking. Brittle materials have a limited deformation capacity, a low capacity to resist impact and vibration, a high compressive strength, and a low tensile strength.
Brittleness is usually shown by non-metals, because they don’t have the property of malleable or ductility, as they are hard enough that they break when force is applied.

Note:
Hydrogen is utilized in the production of ammonia and methyl alcohol, as well as in welding torches and other applications. Sulphur is used in the making of matches, dyes, and gunpowder, as well as compounds like sulphuric acid and sulphates. Pencils, zinc-carbon batteries, and brake linings all include graphite. Phosphorus is employed in the fireworks business as well as in the manufacture of special sodium lamp glasses.