Question

unlike metals, nonmetals exhibit high ______ and fractures easily when subjected to stress. a absorbance b brittleness c ductility d malleability

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Absorbance relates to light absorption, not material stress behavior. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Brittleness means a material is hard but breaks easily under stress. Non - metals are often brittle (e.g., sulfur, carbon in non - metal forms), matching the "fractures easily" description.
• Option C: Ductility is the ability to be drawn into wires, a property of metals (e.g., copper), not non - metals. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Malleability is the ability to be hammered into sheets, a metal property (e.g., gold), not non - metals. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. brittleness