Which one of the following metals has both malleability and ductility properties ?

Metals are generally characterized by physical properties such as luster, high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility [3]. Malleability is the ability of a material to be beaten into thin sheets, while ductility is the ability to be drawn into thin wires [2]. While most metals possess these properties to some degree, gold (Au) and silver are recognized as the most malleable and ductile metals [2]. In contrast, sodium (Na) is a soft alkali metal that can be cut with a knife, and mercury (Hg) is an exception to general metal properties as it exists as a liquid at room temperature, making it neither malleable nor ductile in its standard state [4]. Cerium (Ce), a lanthanide, also exhibits these properties but gold is the quintessential example of high malleability and ductility among the given options [3].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > What you have learnt > p. 55
2. [3] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The World of Metals and Non-metals > In a Nutshell > p. 54
3. [2] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The World of Metals and Non-metals > Table 4.1: Appearance, hardness, and eff ect of hammering on diff erent objects or materials > p. 43
4. [4] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Table 3.1 > p. 39