4.1.2 Ductility

Last updated at April 25, 2026 by

What is Ductility?

It is the property by which materials can be drawn into wires .

Key Facts and Examples
  • Metals possess the property of ductility .
Example: Copper wires, aluminium wires used in electrical connections
  • Gold is the most ductile metal .
Example: One gram of gold can be drawn into 2 kilometre-long wire
  • Non-metals like coal and sulphur are not ductile .
Example: Coal and sulphur cannot be made into wires
  • Steel wire ropes can support heavy loads .
Example: Steel cables used in suspension bridges and cranes
Ductile vs Non-ductile Property Ductile (Metals) Non-ductile (Non-metals) Wire formation Can be drawn into wires Cannot form wires Examples Gold, copper, iron Coal, sulphur, wood Flexibility Flexible wires Rigid or brittle Uses Electrical wires, cables Fuel, chemicals

Question (Page 3): What could be the potential reason that it is generally considered that copper was discovered earlier as compared to iron?

Answer:
We have studied that metals have different properties . This is why:

  • Copper is softer and easier to shape
  • Iron requires higher temperatures to melt and work
Copper vs Iron Discovery Reason Copper (Earlier) Iron (Later) Melting point Lower temperature needed Higher temperature needed Availability Found in pure form Found mixed with rocks Working ease Easier to shape Harder to extract and shape Tools needed Simple fire sufficient Advanced furnaces required

Question (Page 3): Have you ever seen wires made of coal or sulphur?

Answer:
No, we have never seen such wires.

  • Coal and sulphur are not ductile
  • Non-metals break when stretched
Wire Materials Can Make Wires Cannot Make Wires Copper - electrical wires Coal - breaks when pulled Aluminium - power cables Sulphur - brittle material Gold - jewelry wires Wood - not flexible enough
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