Malleability

This page covers one of the intensive properties of matter: Malleability

A work in progress by: Kyle Williams

The Main Idea

A Property of Matter

Properties of matter can be broken down into two distinct categories: physical and chemical. The physical category can also be broken down in a similar manner, consisting of intensive and extensive properties. A physical property is one that can be determined without changing the identity of the substance, and intensive properties can be determined regardless of the amount of matter of the substance present.

What is Malleability?

Malleability is one such intensive property of matter. Malleability is the ability for something, generally metals, to be molded or deformed into another shape. Often considered to simply be the ability for a metal to be hammered into thin sheets, malleability is actually a material's ability to deform under pressure of a force pushing on it, in other words, a compressive force. It is similar to ductility which is the ability of a material to stretch under a force that pulls and creates tension, or, in other words, a tensile stress.

How Does it Work?

Malleability in metals is due to metallic bonds which are characterized by a mobile "electron sea". The ability for

Examples

Common Uses

While malleability can be considered to some extent with everything you see everyday, one of the most common everyday uses of malleability is with aluminum foil. Whether for a science project or for leftovers from dinner, the ability to crumple up or change the shape of aluminum foil is quite convenient. Pottery and horseshoes are also common examples of malleability put to work.

Industrial Applications

Here are some interesting industrial applications of malleability:

History

Derived from the Medieval Latin word, malleābilis (almost directly meaning "hammer-able"), malleability has been understood and utilized for centuries for a variety of things. Such uses include: the molding of clay for pottery, the forging of swords and armor in Medieval times, and . The modern era of chemistry and physics, however, has allowed a more controlled use of this intensive property of matter in industrial applications.

See also

Ductility and Conductivity

External links and Further Reading

Internet resources on this topic

References

http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Analytical_Chemistry/Chemical_Reactions/Properties_of_Matter

http://study.com/academy/lesson/malleability-in-chemistry-definition-examples-quiz.html