Elastic modulus is generally higher for ceramics than metals:

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To assess why elastic modulus is generally higher for ceramics than metals, we must evaluate each statement.
Option 1: 'because the interatomic bonding in ceramics is generally stronger and stiffer than metallic bonding' This aligns with fundamental materials science: ceramics typically exhibit strong ionic or covalent bonds, which resist deformation more effectively than the delocalized metallic bonds in metals. This stronger, more directional bonding leads to higher stiffness and thus a higher elastic modulus.
Option 2: 'because ceramics have an amorphous structure' While some ceramics can be amorphous (e.g., certain glassy oxides), many ceramics are crystalline, and amorphous structure alone does not guarantee a higher modulus. In fact, crystalline ceramics often have well-defined, strong bonds that contribute to stiffness, whereas amorphous structure can sometimes reduce stiffness due to lack of long-range order. Therefore this statement is not a general rule applicable to ceramics as a class.
Option 3: 'because the atoms can pack more densely in ceramics' Dense packing can influence density and sometimes the speed of sound, but it is not the primary determinant of elastic modulus across ceramics and metals. Modulus is more directly tied to bond strength and stiffness, not merely how tightly atoms are packed.
Option 4: 'because the atoms in ceramics are generally heavier than metals' Atomic mass affects density and some dynamic properties, but elastic modulus is not governed by atomic weight per se. Materials with heavier atoms can have high or low moduli depending on bond strength and structure; thus this claim is not a universal reason for higher modulus in ceramics.
Option 5: 'all of the above' Given the issues identified with options 2–4, this umbrella statement is incorrect because not all the listed reasons consistently apply to ceramics as a family. 
Overall, the most coherent and generally true explanation is option 1, which ties the higher elastic modulus in ceramics directly to the nature of interatomic bonding being stronger and stiffer compared to typical metallic bonding.

Dashboard MOODLE Quiz W10 (Polymers and Ceramics)

Elastic modulus is generally higher for ceramics than metals:

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