Which of the following elements is most likely to be easily formed into thin sheets due to its metallic character?

• A. O (oxygen)
• B. S (sulfur)
• C. Cu (copper)
• D. Na (sodium)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the ability of an element to be formed into thin sheets (malleability) is a characteristic property of metals due to the nature of metallic bonding.
2. Recall that metals have a sea of delocalized electrons that allow metal atoms to slide past each other without breaking the metallic bond, which gives metals their malleability and ductility.
3. Identify the elements given: Oxygen (O) and Sulfur (S) are nonmetals, Sodium (Na) and Copper (Cu) are metals.
4. Compare the metallic character of Sodium and Copper: Both are metals, but Copper is a transition metal with a more closely packed crystal structure and stronger metallic bonding, making it more malleable and easier to form into thin sheets.
5. Conclude that Copper (Cu) is most likely to be easily formed into thin sheets due to its metallic character and bonding properties.