Which type of force is primarily responsible for holding the atoms together in a solid metal?

• A. Ionic bonding
• B. Van der Waals forces
• C. Metallic bonding
• D. Hydrogen bonding

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that solids can be held together by different types of forces or bonds, such as ionic bonding, covalent bonding, metallic bonding, Van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding.
2. Recall that ionic bonding occurs between positively and negatively charged ions, typically in ionic compounds like salts, not in metals.
3. Recognize that Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding are weaker intermolecular forces that usually occur between molecules, not within the atomic structure of metals.
4. Learn that metallic bonding is a unique type of bonding found in metals, where positively charged metal ions are surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons that move freely throughout the metal lattice.
5. Conclude that this 'sea of electrons' in metallic bonding is what holds the metal atoms together, giving metals their characteristic properties such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility.