Home > categories > Minerals & Metallurgy > Copper Sheets > Why is it that solid copper dents rather than shatters when struck with a hammer?
Question:

Why is it that solid copper dents rather than shatters when struck with a hammer?

Why? Using an appropriate model of bonding please explain

Answer:

Only a brittle element would shatter on being hit by a hammer. copper as we all know is a solid and a metal. It possesses the property of malleability i.e. it can be beaten into thin sheets. The interatomic space between the atoms of a metal like copper is very small and hence they don't disintegrate or shatter when hit with a metal.

Share to: