Which of the following lists the elements in order of decreasing malleability?

• A. P, Si, Na, Al
• B. Si, P, Al, Na
• C. Na, Al, Si, P
• D. Al, Na, Si, P

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of malleability. Malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. It is a physical property mostly associated with metals due to their metallic bonding and structure.
2. Step 2: Identify the elements given and classify them as metals or nonmetals. Sodium (Na) and Aluminum (Al) are metals, while Silicon (Si) is a metalloid, and Phosphorus (P) is a nonmetal.
3. Step 3: Recall that metals generally have high malleability, metalloids have moderate malleability, and nonmetals have low or no malleability. Among metals, malleability can vary depending on the metal's bonding and structure.
4. Step 4: Compare the malleability of the elements: Aluminum (Al) is a highly malleable metal, Sodium (Na) is also malleable but softer, Silicon (Si) as a metalloid has limited malleability, and Phosphorus (P) as a nonmetal is brittle and not malleable.
5. Step 5: Arrange the elements in order of decreasing malleability based on their classification and typical physical properties: Aluminum (Al) > Sodium (Na) > Silicon (Si) > Phosphorus (P).