Question

How do metallic bonds account for the properties of most metals?

Answer 1

What are the properties of metals..?

Explanation:

`(i)` `"Malleability"`, the ability to be hammered out into a sheet....`"cf Latin, malleus"-="hammer"`

`(ii)` `"Ductility"`, the ability to be drawn out into a wire....

`(iii)` `"Thermal conductivity"`, the ability to conduct heat....

`(iv)` `"Electrical conductivity"`, the ability to conduct electricity....

`(v)` `"Chemical reactivity"`, metals tend to be good reducing agents.......

All of these properties may be rationalized on the basis of our view of metallic bonding, which is typically described as `"positive ions in an electron sea"`. The metal structure is NON-MOLECULAR, and each metal atoms contribute 1 or more valence electrons to the bulk metal lattice such that there are delocalized electrons in the lattice.

The metal atoms, formally metal cations, can move with respect to each other without disrupting the interparticle force of attraction... demonstrably so given that such metal films are STILL conductive. And thus the metal can be hammered out into a sheet. You use aluminum foil in the kitchen for several purposes. Craftsmen may use gold foil, which (for the purposes of gilding and decoration) is MUCH thinner than the aluminum foil.