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

14725 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A sample of hydrochloric acid has a pH of 2.34. 
Write an expression for pH and calculate the concentration of this acid.


What are the differences between covalent and ionic bonding?


Define the terms atomic number and mass number


The pH of pure water can vary depending on the temperature it is held at. Does that mean pure water can be acidic or alkaline?


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