A metal worker shapes copper into various forms for industrial use — flattening it into thin sheets and stretching it into long, thin wires. Name the two physical properties of copper being utilised in each case and explain how each property makes the respective process possible.
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Model Answer
Flattening into thin sheets — Malleability: Copper is malleable, meaning it can be beaten or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. This property allows the metal to change shape under compressive force without cracking.
Stretching into wires — Ductility: Copper is ductile, meaning it can be drawn into long, thin wires. This property allows the metal to be stretched under tensile force without breaking.
Source: Chapter 3, Section 3.1.1
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Explanation
- The examiner expects both property names (malleability, ductility) to be correctly matched to the right process — each named property with a brief explanation earns 1 mark each.
- A common error is confusing the two: malleable = beaten into sheets; ductile = drawn into wires. Remember: Ductile → Draw wires.
- You do not need to give examples of other metals; just define and link each property to the process described.