Explanation:
The property due to which non-metals break on hammering is called brittleness. When a material is brittle, it means that it lacks the ability to deform plastically or to sustain significant elongation before fracture. Non-metals, such as ceramics and glass, are typically brittle in nature.
Here is a detailed explanation of the property of brittleness and why non-metals break on hammering:
Brittleness:
- Brittleness is the opposite of ductility and malleability. It refers to the property of a material to break or shatter when subjected to stress, without undergoing significant deformation.
- Brittle materials have a low tolerance for plastic deformation and tend to fracture when external forces are applied.
- The fracture in brittle materials occurs along a cleavage plane, resulting in a clean break with little or no plastic deformation.
Non-Metals:
- Non-metals are a class of elements that do not possess the characteristic properties of metals, such as high electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility.
- Non-metals include elements like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and many others.
- Most non-metals have a tendency to be brittle due to their atomic structure, which consists of covalent bonds that are stronger and less flexible than metallic bonds.
Hammering:
- Hammering or striking a material with a hammer applies an external force to the material, causing it to undergo stress and deformation.
- When non-metals are subjected to hammering, their lack of ductility and malleability prevents them from undergoing plastic deformation.
- Instead, the applied stress causes the brittle material to fracture and break into smaller pieces.
Therefore, the property responsible for non-metals breaking on hammering is brittleness.