Question

which of the following metal does not show malleability?
(A) Zinc
(B) Aluminium
(C) Iron
(D) Silver

Answer 1

Hint: Metals are known for several properties, they are lustrous, hard, ductile, malleable etc. Though some metals are known which are seen to have exceptions, like sodium is soft and zinc can be cut by knife.

Complete step by step answer
Periodic table is categorised in three major groups, that is metal, non-metal, and metalloids each one of them possess a different set of properties. Metals are also considered to possess a specific set of properties.
All metals are present at the extreme left of the periodic table, that is group first and group second. Now these metals are believed to show certain properties, they are malleable, ductile, lustrous, shiny, hard etc.
Malleability is a term used for substances which can be pressed or hammered and can be shaped as desired. An example of substance which is most malleable is gold, gold can be malleable into thin wires. Ductile is another term used for metal which states that metal can be converted into wires, such substances should be tough and not brittle.
Though we have some exceptions in metals such as sodium which is a soft metal, lead which is dull unlike other metals which are shiny and zinc which can be cut through a knife. Therefore zinc is not malleable as it is not hard, also when exposed to air it turns into dull grey in colour.
Option (A) is correct.

Note
Metals are also classified as compounds which can donate electrons, also they have free electrons when they are in solid form, that is why they are considered as good conductors. They are mainly present in two groups: alkali metal and alkaline earth metal.