Why are most metals ductile and malleable?

• A. Because metals have a rigid crystal lattice that prevents movement of atoms.
• B. Because metals have strong directional covalent bonds.
• C. Because metallic bonding allows atoms to slide past each other without breaking the bond.
• D. Because metals contain large numbers of free electrons that hold atoms in fixed positions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of metallic bonding: Metals consist of positive metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the structure.
2. Recognize that this 'sea of electrons' acts as a glue, holding the metal atoms together but not in fixed positions, allowing the atoms to move relative to each other without breaking bonds.
3. Because the metallic bonds are non-directional, when a force is applied, metal atoms can slide past one another while maintaining the overall bonding interaction.
4. This ability for atoms to slide without breaking bonds explains why metals are ductile (can be drawn into wires) and malleable (can be hammered or rolled into sheets).
5. Contrast this with materials having directional covalent bonds or rigid lattices, where atomic movement breaks bonds, making them brittle rather than ductile or malleable.