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

14801 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What happens to the physical properties(solubility/boiling/melting point) as chain length increases, and as functional groups are added onto the chemical compound?


Explain why water molecules form on average two hydrogen bonds per molecule, whereas ammonia molecules (NH3) form only one.


When testing for primary, secondary, and teritary alcohols what is the testing reagent and the results of the test?


What is a redox reaction?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning