Metals can be used as wire because they are __.
a. alloys
b. ductile
c. metallic
d. shiny
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: b. ductile
Explanation:
Metals can be used as wire primarily because they are ductile. Ductility is a physical property of materials that refers to their ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking. This means a ductile material can undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture. Most metals exhibit this property, which makes them ideal for use in applications requiring the material to be drawn into thin wires, such as electrical wiring and metal cables.
Some common ductile metals include copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. Copper, for example, is widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent ductility, combined with high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Aluminum is another metal used in wiring, especially in power transmission lines, due to its light weight and good conductivity.
Other options in the question are incorrect for the following reasons:
- a. Alloys: Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, typically metals. While some alloys are ductile, being an alloy does not necessarily mean the material can be drawn into wire. In fact, some alloys are brittle.
- c. Metallic: This term refers to the general nature or appearance of a substance (e.g., luster, conductivity), not a specific mechanical property like ductility.
- d. Shiny: While many metals are shiny due to their ability to reflect light (metallic luster), this property is unrelated to the ability to be drawn into wire.
In conclusion, ductility is the most relevant property for the use of metals as wires. This characteristic allows metals to be drawn into long, thin shapes without breaking, making them essential for many technological and industrial applications.
