The property of metals to produce ringing sound on being struck with a hard object is known as ________.
Sonorous
Understanding the Sonorous Property of Metals
The question asks about a specific characteristic of metals: their ability to produce a ringing sound when hit by a hard object. Let's examine the given options to identify the correct term for this property.
Analyzing the Options
We are given four options:
- Malleability: This is the property of a material, typically a metal, that allows it to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. Examples include gold and aluminum. This property relates to shaping, not sound production.
- Ductility: This refers to the ability of a material to be stretched or drawn into thin wires without losing its strength or breaking. Copper is a common example of a ductile metal. This property relates to forming wires, not sound production.
- Opaque: A material is opaque if it does not allow light to pass through it. Most metals are opaque. This property relates to the interaction with light, not sound production.
- Sonorous: This term describes a material that is capable of producing a deep or ringing sound when struck. Bells are often made from metals because of their sonorous nature. This property directly relates to the production of a ringing sound.
Identifying the Correct Property of Metals
Based on the definitions, the property of metals that causes them to produce a ringing sound when struck with a hard object is sonorousness. Therefore, the term used to describe this property is Sonorous.
When a metal object is struck, it vibrates. If the metal is sonorous, these vibrations produce a clear, ringing sound. This is why metals are often used for making musical instruments like bells or cymbals.
Conclusion
The property of metals to produce a ringing sound on being struck with a hard object is known as Sonorous.
Revision Table: Properties of Metals
| Property | Description | Example/Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Malleability | Can be hammered into thin sheets | Making aluminum foil |
| Ductility | Can be drawn into thin wires | Making copper wires |
| Lustrous | Have a shiny surface | Appearance of gold, silver |
| Good Conductors of Heat and Electricity | Allow heat and electricity to pass through easily | Used in electrical wires and cooking utensils |
| Sonorous | Produce a ringing sound when struck | Making bells |
Additional Information on Metal Properties
Metals possess several unique physical properties that distinguish them from non-metals. Besides being sonorous, malleable, ductile, lustrous, and good conductors, most metals are also solids at room temperature (except mercury). They typically have high melting and boiling points. These properties make metals highly valuable for a wide range of applications in construction, manufacturing, jewelry, and many other industries. Understanding these properties helps us appreciate why different metals are used for different purposes.
Important Questions from Metals and Properties
In Stress & Strain diagram, stress is always represented on the ______.
Which of the following statements about the resistivity of metals is INCORRECT?
Alumina is prepared from ______.
The metals that produce a sound on striking a hard surface are called:
Temple bells are made of metals because they are:
