---
title: "Ductility — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Ductility is a metal's ability to be drawn into a wire, explained by the sea of electrons model. Learn how alloying reduces it on the AP Chem exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/ductility"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Ductility — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Ductility is the property that allows a substance (usually metal) to be drawn out into a wire.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.4 Structure of Metals and Alloys](/ap-chem/unit-2/structure-metals-alloys/study-guide/yTmM9j22ZoTxtr6TCC3p)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Tensile Strength: The maximum amount of tensile (pulling) stress that an object/material can take before failure i.e., before breaking or permanent deformation occurs.
- Brittleness: A characteristic of materials that break or shatter instead of bending when subjected to stress; opposite of ductility.
- Strain Hardening (Work Hardening): The process by which metal becomes stronger and harder due to plastic deformation caused by heat treatment or through working such as hammering or bending.