Final answer:
Aluminum's tendency to flow away under pressure is known as creep, which allows metals to be malleable and ductile. This behavior is important for engineering applications that require long-term structural integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency of aluminum to flow away from a point where pressure is applied is known as creep. This behavior is a response to stress that occurs over time, and it is especially noticeable at high temperatures. Unlike ionic compounds which are brittle and shatter when force application causes like-charged ions to come too close, metals like aluminum have free-flowing electrons. These electrons act like a lubricant allowing the metal atoms to slide past each other without coming into direct contact, providing metals with their malleability and ductility. This property is why metals can be shaped, rolled, or stretched into wires without breaking.
Understanding creep is crucial for the engineering design of components in airplanes, buildings, and automobiles where long-term mechanical stability is paramount. When designing with aluminum, engineers must account for creep to ensure structural integrity over the lifecycle of the product.