Metals produce ringing sounds, they are said to be?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The term 'sonorous' specifically describes the property of a material to produce a deep, ringing sound when struck.
This property arises from the ability of the metal's ordered atomic structure (crystal lattice) to vibrate uniformly and transmit sound waves efficiently.
It is the key reason why materials like steel, brass, and bronze are used to manufacture bells, tuning forks, and cymbals.

Option A: This is incorrect. Ductility is the ability of a metal to be stretched or drawn into thin wires without breaking.
Option B: This is incorrect. Malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered, pressed, or rolled into thin sheets.
Option C: This is incorrect. Lustrous refers to the shiny appearance or sheen of a metal's surface when it reflects light.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physical Properties of Metals as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general science concept, understanding basic material properties is foundational for health sciences. For instance, the selection of materials for surgical instruments and implants depends on these properties.
The malleability and ductility of metals like titanium and stainless steel allow them to be precisely shaped into surgical screws, plates, and artificial joints.
The term 'sonorous' is also used in medicine to describe certain sounds heard during chest auscultation, such as a 'sonorous wheeze' (rhonchi), which indicates secretions in large airways.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptive phrase in the question stem, which is 'produce ringing sounds'.
Next, analyze the definition of each option provided.
Ductile relates to being drawn into wires.
Malleable relates to being beaten into sheets.
Lustrous relates to being shiny.
Sonorous relates to producing a ringing sound.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 95-97

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.