Boojho has learnt that non-metals on beating with a hammer are generally broken into pieces. Which of the following is a non- metal?

Options

A. iron nail
B. copper plate
C. aluminium wire
D. piece of coal

Answer

To determine which of the given options is a non-metal, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the properties of metals and non-metals
- Metals are generally hard and malleable, meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking.
- Non-metals, on the other hand, are usually brittle and will break into pieces when subjected to force, such as being hit with a hammer.

### Step 2: Analyze the options provided
1. **Iron Nail**: Iron is a metal. When hit with a hammer, it can be flattened into sheets, so this is not a non-metal.
2. **Copper Plate**: Copper is also a metal. Like iron, it can be shaped into sheets when hammered, so this is not a non-metal.
3. **Aluminium Wire**: Aluminium is another metal. It can be drawn into wires and can also be flattened into sheets when hammered, so this is not a non-metal.
4. **Piece of Coal**: Coal is a non-metal. It is brittle and will break into pieces when struck with a hammer.

### Step 3: Identify the non-metal
Based on the analysis, the only option that fits the characteristics of a non-metal is **Piece of Coal**.

### Conclusion
The correct answer is **Piece of Coal**, which is a non-metal.

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