Which property of metals allows them to bend without breaking?

• A. Covalent bonds forming a fixed lattice structure
• B. The presence of delocalized electrons that enable atoms to slide past each other
• C. Ionic bonds holding the metal atoms rigidly in place
• D. Strong hydrogen bonding between metal atoms

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking about the property of metals that allows them to bend without breaking, which relates to their mechanical behavior and atomic structure.
2. Recall that metals consist of atoms arranged in a lattice structure, but unlike ionic or covalent solids, metal atoms are surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
3. Recognize that these delocalized electrons act as a glue, allowing metal atoms to slide past each other when a force is applied without breaking the metallic bond.
4. Contrast this with ionic or covalent bonds, which are directional and rigid, causing materials with those bonds to be brittle rather than malleable.
5. Conclude that the presence of delocalized electrons in metals is the key property that enables them to bend (be malleable) without breaking.