Question

Gold is used in making ornaments because it is :

• A. Lustrous
• B. Unreactive
• C. Malleable
• D. All of these

Hint:

Gold is so malleable that it is often alloyed with small amounts of copper or silver (typically making 22-carat gold) to increase its mechanical strength and durability for daily wear in jewelry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the physical and chemical properties of gold that make it highly suitable for the manufacturing of jewelry and ornaments.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Analyze the mechanical and chemical properties of gold from the metal reactivity series and general physical metallurgy.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Gold (\(Au\)) is a noble metal that occupies a position at the very bottom of the metal reactivity series.

• Let us evaluate each property:
- (A) Lustrous: Gold has a distinctive, beautiful, bright yellow metallic luster. It reflects light very well, giving it an attractive and premium appearance suitable for decorative ornaments.
- (B) Unreactive: Because it is highly unreactive, gold does not react with oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, or common acids. Therefore, it does not tarnish, rust, or corrode over time, allowing jewelry to retain its shine for generations.
- (C) Malleable: Gold is the most malleable and ductile metal known. A single gram of gold can be beaten into an extremely thin sheet of leaf, or drawn into a very long, fine wire. This high workability allows artisans to design highly intricate and delicate jewelry patterns without the metal breaking.

• Since all three properties are crucial, the correct option is "All of these."


Step 4: Final Answer:
Gold is used in making ornaments due to all of the listed properties, corresponding to Option (D).