Which scenario would most likely be a violation of copyright?

The scenario involving downloading several songs for use in a commercial ad is most likely a violation of copyright because songs are typically protected under copyright law, meaning you cannot use them for commercial purposes without obtaining the appropriate licenses or permissions from the copyright holder. Using copyrighted music in a commercial context can lead to legal issues, especially since the creator of the music retains rights over how their work is used.

In contrast, using public domain music does not violate copyright, as works in the public domain are not protected and can be freely used by anyone. Sharing an original article on social media with proper credit respects the author's rights and typically falls under fair use, given that credit is provided and the original work is acknowledged. Quoting a book in an educational report is generally permitted under fair use, as it involves a limited and transformative use of the original text for educational purposes. Thus, the scenario involving downloading songs for commercial use clearly stands out as a violation of copyright due to the nature of the usage and copyright protections in place for music.