Which type of bonding yields ductile, conductive metals?

• A. Ionic
• B. Covalent
• C. Metallic
• D. Van der Waals

Answer: (C)

Ductile, conductive metals come from metallic bonding, where electrons are delocalized and form a moving “sea” around a lattice of positive ions. This arrangement lets electrons carry current easily, and the bonds are non-directional, so layers of atoms can slide past one another without breaking, giving ductility. Ionic bonding creates a rigid ion lattice that is typically brittle and not a good solid conductor. Covalent networks involve directional bonds and tend to be hard and brittle rather than ductile metals. Van der Waals forces are weak and usually produce insulators or soft materials with low conductivity.