Video Transcript
Which structural property of metals
is responsible for their ductility and malleability? (A) The particles in the metal are
closely packed together. (B) Delocalized electrons exist
between the particles in the metal. (C) The layers of particles in the
metal can slide over each other. (D) The particles in the metal are
held together by strong bonds. Or (E) the particles are part of a
giant lattice.
We are asked which structural
property of metals is responsible for the properties ductility and malleability. So let’s have a look at the
structure of metals.
Metal atoms tend to pack together
in a highly ordered arrangement. The positively charged nuclei are
held together by a sea of delocalized valence electrons. This bond holding the particles
together is a strong bond called a metallic bond. We could define a metallic bond as
a strong electrostatic force of attraction between positively charged nuclei and
negatively charged valence electrons.
The regular arrangement which
results from the strong bonding is called a metal lattice. The sea of delocalized electrons
confers unique and fascinating properties to metals. They usually enable metals to shine
or appear lustrous when illuminated with light. These delocalized electrons also
make metals sonorous, which mean metals produce a deep or ringing sound when
struck. Metals are malleable because of the
delocalized electrons and metallic bonds. When they are hammered, metals can
be transformed into thin flat sheets. The structure of metals also
enables them to be ductile. That is, they can be pulled or
drawn into long thin wires. The structure of metals also makes
them excellent conductors of both heat and electricity.
We are specifically asked about
ductility and malleability. When a force is applied to metal,
for example, pulling or hammering, the layers of metal particles can slide over each
other without breaking apart because they are all bonded with the sea of delocalized
electrons. The sea of delocalized electrons
changes shape as one layer of metal cation slides over another and the strong
metallic bonds holds it all together.
The question asked which structural
property of metals is responsible for their ductility and malleability. And we have seen that although all
answer options do describe metals, answer option (C), the layers of particles in the
metal can slide over each other, specifically explains why metals’ shape can be
deformed without breaking, cracking, or shattering.
Finally, which structural property
of metals is responsible for their ductility and malleability? (C) The layers of particles in the
metal can slide over each other.
