Which category of elements typically exhibits the properties of being malleable and ductile?

• A. Metals
• B. Nonmetals
• C. Metalloids
• D. Noble gases

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the properties mentioned: malleability is the ability of a material to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, and ductility is the ability to be drawn into wires.
2. Recall the general categories of elements: metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and noble gases.
3. Recognize that metals are known for their characteristic physical properties such as malleability and ductility due to the nature of metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized allowing atoms to slide past each other without breaking bonds.
4. Note that nonmetals typically are brittle and not malleable or ductile, metalloids have intermediate properties, and noble gases are inert gases that do not exhibit these physical properties.
5. Conclude that the category of elements that typically exhibits malleability and ductility is metals.