Chemical Bonding

Question 11 • AA-F26 Physical Science

Lead is malleable, so it can be pounded into flat sheets without breaking. How does the bonding within lead help to explain this property?

Answer

Metallic bonds involve valence electrons that are removed from one atom and given to another, so the pounding helps the electrons move.

Covalent bonds involve valence electrons that are shared between two metal atoms, so the bonds are strong enough to resist the pounding.

Metallic bonds involve many valence electrons shared by many atoms, so the bonds can move around as the metal is pounded.

Covalent bonds involve valence electrons that are removed from one atom and given to another, so the pounding helps the electrons move.

Explanation

In lead, metallic bonding consists of positive metal ions surrounded by valence electrons that are shared across many atoms. When lead is pounded, layers of atoms can shift while this mobile electron cloud continues to hold the metal together, allowing it to flatten without breaking. Choice C describes this bonding; choices A and D incorrectly describe electron transfer, and B describes covalent bonding.

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