Final answer:
There are several situations where less malleable gold is preferred, such as creating durable jewelry, manufacturing coins or bullion, and the electronics industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gold that is not as malleable can be useful in certain situations:
- Creating durable jewelry: While pure gold is very malleable and prone to damage, mixing it with other metals like silver or copper can increase its hardness and durability. This ensures that the jewelry maintains its shape and doesn't deform easily.
- Manufacturing coins or bullion: Gold that is less malleable is more resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for minting coins and producing bullion bars. These products need to be durable and maintain their value over time.
- Electronics industry: In some electronic components, gold is used for its excellent electrical conductivity. However, gold that is less malleable can be advantageous as it can be shaped and soldered into specific forms without losing its conductivity.