Final answer:
Metals are made up of tiny building blocks called atoms, which are arranged in a crystal lattice that varies based on the type of metal. This orderly structure, alongside metallic bonding, provides metals with their characteristic properties, including conductivity and luster.
Step-by-step explanation:
All metals are composed of minuscule building blocks known as atoms. Atoms are extraordinarily small particles that, despite their size, form the entirety of matter. When we consider metallic substances, we find that these atoms are structured in a specific configuration called a crystal lattice, which is a three-dimensional pattern of points resembling a grid. Each metal consists of atoms that adhere to this lattice structure, and the manner of arrangement and atom size contribute to the unique properties of each metal such as malleability and ductility.
For instance, metals like aluminum, copper, and lead crystallize in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure where atoms are located at the corners and the centers of each face of the cube. This intricate lattice of atoms is held together by a type of chemical bonding referred to as metallic bonding, which also allows for an array of electrons, often termed a 'sea of electrons', to move freely around the metal ions. This sea of electrons is a key element in endowing metals with characteristics such as high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, as well as the ability to reflect light, which gives metals their metallic luster.