What term describes the ability of a substance to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets?

The ability of a substance to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets is referred to as malleability. This property is particularly characteristic of metals, which can be shaped without breaking due to their ability to allow atoms to slide over one another while maintaining their metallic bonds.

Malleability is essential in various applications, such as manufacturing, where metals are formed into sheets used for everything from roofing to beverage cans. The ability to deform under pressure and be transformed into thin sheets without cracking makes malleability a crucial aspect of material science and metallurgy.

In contrast, conductivity refers to a material's ability to conduct electricity or heat, while density measures the mass per unit volume of a substance. Ductility, although it may seem related, specifically describes the ability of a substance to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Thus, malleability stands out as the correct term that directly answers the question regarding the physical manipulation of materials into thin sheets.