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

Ductility is a property of a material that indicates its ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Ductile materials are usually metals, as they have a crystalline atomic structure that allows the atoms to slide past one another easily. Generally, elements with higher metallic character and lower electronegativity are more ductile.

Ag and Cr are present in the periodic table as follows: \( \mathrm{Ag} \): Period 5, Group 11 (transition metal) \( \mathrm{Cr} \): Period 4, Group 6 (transition metal) Ag is one period below Cr in the periodic table, and elements in the higher periods generally have more metallic character than elements in the lower periods due to the shielding effect of inner electrons. Metals with higher metallic character are generally more ductile. Also, Ag has relatively lower electronegativity than Cr. From these observations, we can conclude that \( \mathrm{Ag} \) (Silver) is expected to be more ductile than \( \mathrm{Cr} \) (Chromium).

Zn and Ge are present in the periodic table as follows: \( \mathrm{Zn} \): Period 4, Group 12 (transition metal) \( \mathrm{Ge} \): Period 4, Group 14 (metalloid) Zn is a transition metal, whereas Ge is a metalloid. Transition metals generally have higher metallic character than metalloids, which makes them more ductile. Additionally, Zn has lower electronegativity compared to Ge. From these observations, we can conclude that \( \mathrm{Zn} \) (Zinc) is expected to be more ductile than \( \mathrm{Ge} \) (Germanium). To summarize: (a) Ag is expected to be more ductile than Cr because it has higher metallic character and lower electronegativity. (b) Zn is expected to be more ductile than Ge because it has higher metallic character and lower electronegativity.