Chapter 20, Problem 1DE

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The metal that is more ductile between $\text{Ag}$ or $\text{Mo}$ .

Answer to Problem 1DE

Solution: $\text{Ag}$ is more ductile.

Explanation of Solution

The ductility of an element depends upon the bonding between the metal atoms which in turn depend upon the number of valence electrons. Greater the number of valence electrons, greater will be the bonding between the metal atoms and less ductile is the metal. The valence electrons present in $\text{Ag}$ atom is $1$ and the valence electrons present in $\text{Mo}$ atom is $6$ . The number of valence electrons present in $\text{Ag}$ atom is less as compared to $\text{Mo}$ and the weaker metallic bonding present in $\text{Ag}$ metal.
Hence, the $\text{Ag}$ metal is more ductile as compared to $\text{Mo}$ metal.

Conclusion

$\text{Ag}$ metal is more ductile as compared to $\text{Mo}$ metal because the number of valence electrons present in $\text{Ag}$ is less which constitute weaker metallic bonding.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The metal that is more ductile between $\text{Zn}$ or $\text{Si}$ .

Answer to Problem 1DE

Solution: $\text{Zn}$ is more ductile.

Explanation of Solution

The ductility of an element depends upon the bonding between the metal atoms which in turn depend upon the number of valence electrons. Greater the number of valence electrons, greater will be the bonding between the metal atoms and less ductile is the metal. The valence electrons present in $\text{Zn}$ atom is $2$ and the valence electrons present in $\text{Si}$ atom is $4$ . The number of valence electrons present in $\text{Zn}$ atom is less as compared to $\text{Si}$ and the weaker metallic bonding present in $\text{Zn}$ metal.
Hence, the $\text{Zn}$ metal is more ductile as compared to $\text{Si}$ metal.

Conclusion

$\text{Zn}$ metal is more ductile as compared to $\text{Si}$ metal because the number of valence electrons present in $\text{Zn}$ is less which constitute weaker metallic bonding.