Which of the following metals is known for its high malleability?

Gold is renowned for its high malleability, a property that allows it to be easily hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. This characteristic makes gold highly desirable for crafting jewelry and various decorative items, where intricate designs are often achieved through extensive shaping of the metal. The atomic structure of gold contributes to this property, as its metallic bonding allows layers of atoms to slide over one another with minimal resistance, thus facilitating deformation under stress.

The other metals, while they may exhibit some degree of malleability, do not reach the same level as gold. For instance, iron is relatively malleable but is also prone to brittleness under certain conditions, which limits its ability to be shaped extensively without cracking. Sodium, being a softer alkali metal, is not typically considered malleable in the same sense as gold because it can easily deform but is not practical for forming sheets. Zinc, while it has some malleability, is more commonly recognized for its strength and corrosion resistance than for extensive deformation capabilities. Overall, gold stands out as the epitome of malleability among metals.