Which material is lightweight, malleable, ductile, with good corrosion resistance and conductivity, low density; used for aircraft bodies, drinks cans, cooking foil, and window frames?

• A. Aluminium alloys
• B. Titanium
• C. Zinc
• D. Tin

Answer: (A)

This item tests how a material’s combination of weight, formability, and durability fits real-world uses. The material that best matches is aluminium alloys. They are very light, having a low density, which is crucial for aircraft bodies where less weight improves efficiency. They are highly malleable and ductile, so they can be formed into thin sheets for cooking foil and into precise shapes for window frames and cans. They also resist corrosion well, largely because an oxide layer forms naturally and protectively on aluminum surfaces, and this durability is enhanced by alloying with elements like magnesium and silicon. They conduct electricity reasonably well, making them suitable for various uses where some conductivity is beneficial without compromising other properties.

Other metals don’t fit all these needs as well. Titanium is strong and corrosion-resistant but denser and more expensive, limiting its use in mass-produced items like beverage cans or general window frames. Zinc is heavier and not as ductile or conductive in the same way for these applications, and tin is softer and not suitable for the structural or packaging roles described.