malleability

Malleability is a material's ability to be hammered, pressed, or rolled into different shapes without breaking or cracking. Think of soft metals like gold or copper—they can be stretched or flattened repeatedly, maintaining their integrity. Malleability is important in manufacturing and jewelry-making because it allows for shaping metals into various forms without damaging them. It depends on the material's internal structure, specifically the way its atoms are arranged and bonded. Overall, malleability describes how easily a material can be shaped under pressure without losing its strength or form.