Question

Malleability and ductility of metals can be accounted due to:
(a) the presence of electrostatic force
(b) the crystalline structure
(c) the capacity of layers of metal ions to slide over the other
(d) the interaction of electrons with metal ions in the lattice

Answer 1

Hint: Metals have delocalised electrons in its valence shell. Due to this delocalisation, it can account for certain properties of metals.

Complete answer:
-Metals are those elements which on losing electrons during a chemical reaction can form positive ions, except for hydrogen. WE can say that metals are electropositive elements. Main characteristics of metals are its bright lustre, excellent conductors of electricity and heat and its hardness. Malleability and ductility are its properties.
-Malleability means metals can withstand hammering and can be made into sheets known as foils. Example aluminium is hammered into aluminium foils, which we use in the kitchen to preserve food. Ductility is the property where metals are drawn into wires. Copper, a good conductor of electricity can be drawn into wires and is used in almost all electric devices. It is also used in household wiring.
-Now why does metals show ductility and malleability? Metals usually have valence electrons which are delocalised and can move from one atom to another. These electrons are shared between many atoms. These delocalised electrons allow the metal atoms to slide apart one another and are not subjected to any strong repulsive forces. Thus, the layers of metal ions can slide over each other. It depends on the metal’s hardness.
Thus, malleability and ductility of metals can be accounted for due to the capacity of layers of metal ions to slide over the other

So,the correct option is (c).

Note: Ductility depends on the hardness of the metal. The harder the metal is, the higher is its tensile strength. So, ductility will be lower.