What is malleability in materials?

Malleability refers specifically to the ability of a material, particularly metals, to be deformed under compressive stress, often through techniques such as rolling or hammering, without breaking. This property allows materials to be shaped into thin sheets or other forms. The correct understanding of malleability encapsulates the idea that the material can be extended and formed in various directions while maintaining structural integrity.

The other choices describe different mechanical properties that, while they pertain to materials, do not accurately characterize malleability. The ability to be permanently deformed captures aspects of plasticity but is broader than what malleability describes. The tendency to break easily under stress relates to brittleness, which is the opposite of malleability. Lastly, the ability to recover original shape after deformation is indicative of elasticity, a distinct characteristic separate from malleability. Thus, the correct understanding of malleability highlights its unique ability to allow materials to be reshaped without losing their structural properties.