Which would you expect to be the more ductile element, (a) \(\mathrm{Ag}\) or \(\mathrm{Mo}\), (b) \(Z n\) or Si? In each case explain your reasoning.

The first step is to locate Ag (Silver) and Mo (Molybdenum) on the periodic table. Ag is in group 11 and period 5, while Mo is in group 6 and period 5. Both elements are in the same period, so we can compare their groups to determine the more ductile element. In general, ductility increases from right to left across a period and from top to bottom within a group due to the increasing metallic character of the elements. Since Ag is in group 11 and Mo is in group 6, and because Ag is more to the left than Mo, we can infer that Ag will be more ductile than Mo.

Next, we will locate Zn (Zinc) and Si (Silicon) on the periodic table. Zn is in group 12 and period 4, while Si is in group 14 and period 3. As these elements are neither in the same group nor the same period, we should compare both their group and periodic trends. As previously mentioned, ductility increases from right to left across a period and from top to bottom within a group. Zn is in group 12 and Si is in group 14, so Zn is more to the left than Si, which implies Zn should be more ductile. Moreover, Zn is in period 4 and Si is in period 3, so Zn is below Si, which also suggests that Zn will be more ductile. Therefore, considering both trends, we can conclude that Zn is more ductile than Si. In summary, Ag is more ductile than Mo, and Zn is more ductile than Si. This reasoning is based on the periodic trends of ductility and metallic character.