---
title: "Malleability — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Malleability is a metal's ability to be hammered into sheets without breaking, explained on AP Chem by the sea-of-electrons model and changed by alloying."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/malleability"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Malleability — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Malleability is a property of metals that allows them to be hammered, rolled or pressed into thin sheets without breaking.

## Related Study Guides

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

## Review

### Related Terms

- Hardness: This refers to a material's resistance to deformation, indentation or scratching.
- Elasticity: This is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.
- Plasticity: This is the ability of a material to permanently deform under stress without breaking.