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Explain in terms of stracture why metals are malleable?

User NJones
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I assume you mean 'structure' :)


Metals undergo metallic bonding. In this type of bond, metal atoms loose their valence electrons (that become delocalised). This type of bonding creates a regular layered lattice with positive metal ions and a sea of delocalised electrons floating between the layers. These layers slide over each other and results in metals being both malleable and ductile.


Hope it helps!
User Swimmer
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