Question

Which statement below best describes metallic compounds?

A. This bond is the result of the attraction between a positive cation and negative anion.
B. This bond makes substances hard and brittle.
C. Structures with these bonds are ductile and malleable.
D. This bond is the result of a sharing of electrons.

Answer 1

Metallic bonds describe the electrostatic attraction in metals between positive ions and a sea of delocalized electrons, making structures with these bonds ductile and malleable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes metallic compounds is: C. Structures with these bonds are ductile and malleable. Metallic bonds are the force of attraction between the positively charged nuclei of metal atoms and the delocalised electrons that create a 'sea' surrounding these ions. Metals like copper are known to form such bonds, which contribute to the characteristic properties of metals, including the ability to be hammered into sheets or drawn into wires without breaking. This is in contrast to ionic bonds, which result in substances that are typically hard and brittle.