Which type of solid is held together by a sea of electrons and is typically malleable and conductive?

Which type of solid is held together by a sea of electrons and is typically malleable and conductive?

• A. Metallic solids
• B. Ionic solids
• C. Molecular solids
• D. Covalent network solids

Answer: (A)

Metallic bonding features a sea of delocalized electrons surrounding a lattice of metal atoms. This electron cloud lets electrons move freely, so metals conduct electricity in the solid state. The bonds are non-directional, enabling layers of atoms to slide past each other without breaking the structure, which gives metal its malleability and ductility. In contrast, ionic solids are held together by strong electrostatic forces between ions and are typically brittle; molecular solids rely on weaker intermolecular forces and conduct poorly as solids; covalent network solids form rigid, directional bonds and are usually non-conductive. The combination of a sea of electrons, solid-state conductivity, and malleability points to metallic solids.

Metallic bonding features a sea of delocalized electrons surrounding a lattice of metal atoms. This electron cloud lets electrons move freely, so metals conduct electricity in the solid state. The bonds are non-directional, enabling layers of atoms to slide past each other without breaking the structure, which gives metal its malleability and ductility. In contrast, ionic solids are held together by strong electrostatic forces between ions and are typically brittle; molecular solids rely on weaker intermolecular forces and conduct poorly as solids; covalent network solids form rigid, directional bonds and are usually non-conductive. The combination of a sea of electrons, solid-state conductivity, and malleability points to metallic solids.