Describe briefly the nature of metallic bonding and use this to explain why metals are malleable (can be hammered into shape) and conduct electricity

Metallic bonding occurs as a result of the electrical attraction forces between the protons in the nuclei of the metal species and the delocalised electrons (which form a sea of electrons surrounding the array of protons). The malleability is achieved due to the ease of sliding layers of metal ions past each other, thus giving a different shape. The conductance of electricity is due to the potential difference created between the sea of delocalised valence electrons and the positive protons.

MA
Answered by Miroslav A. Chemistry tutor

13810 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What reaction occurs when benzene is mixed with equal amounts of sulphuric and nitric acid?


What is the equilibrium constant?


"A chromium compound contains 28.4% sodium and 32.1% chromium by mass, while the rest is oxygen. What is the empirical formula of this compound?"


How can an aldehyde be distinguished from a ketone?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning