Final answer:
A metal with many operable slip systems in its crystal structure will exhibit high ductility and malleability, as this allows for deformation without fracturing under applied stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
A metal having a crystal structure with many operable slip systems will be relatively ductile and malleable. Slip systems allow dislocations to move along specific planes when a stress is applied, facilitating deformation without the fracture of the crystal. Metals like gold and copper, which are known for their excellent ductility and malleability, have face-centered cubic (FCC) structures that provide multiple slip systems. This characteristic means that when the metal is subjected to mechanical forces, it can deform in many ways without breaking.
On the contrary, materials with fewer slip systems, like body-centered cubic (BCC) or hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structures, tend to be less ductile. Metal crystals with multiple slip systems are not only harder to break, but they can also be shaped into various forms without cracking, making them highly useful in manufacturing and industrial applications.