What is the ability of a material to be hammered, molded, or shaped without cracking or breaking called?

• A. Ductility
• B. Malleability
• C. Conductivity
• D. Fusibility

Answer: (B)

Malleability refers to a material's ability to be hammered, molded, or shaped without breaking or cracking. This property is particularly important for metals, which can often be deformed under stress without losing their structural integrity. When a malleable material is subjected to compressive forces, it can be reshaped into thin sheets or various forms, making it a crucial aspect in metalworking and manufacturing processes.

In contrast, ductility, while related, specifically describes a material's ability to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture, generally associated with stretching or pulling rather than shaping through compression like malleability. Conductivity pertains to a material’s ability to conduct electricity or heat, and fusibility refers to a material's capacity to melt or be melted. Malleability is therefore the precise term for the ability to shape materials without fracturing, fitting perfectly with the question posed.