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Yes they can. They form a giant lattice meaning that the layers can slide past each other. That's why pure metals aren't really that strong.

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11y ago
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2d ago

Yes, in a solid metal, atoms can slide over each other due to the metallic bonds that allow for the movement of the atoms. This phenomenon gives metals their unique properties, such as ductility and malleability, allowing them to be shaped and formed easily.

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Q: Can metal atoms slide over each other?
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Continue Learning about Chemistry

Is bending a metal pole a physical of chemical change?

no because the atomic structure of the atoms in the metal will not chemically change. the free (delocalised) electrons in a metal form non-directional bonds with the atoms. there are also layers of atoms in a metal and these slide over each other and do not break.


Why is gold soft when you bit it?

Gold is a soft metal because its atomic structure allows for its atoms to slide past each other easily. This makes it malleable and ductile, which is why gold can be shaped into various forms without breaking.


How does adding larger metal atoms to a metallic lattice make the metal harder?

Adding larger metal atoms to a metallic lattice introduces more lattice strain and dislocation movement obstacles, making it more difficult for dislocations to move through the lattice. This results in increased hardness as dislocation movement is a common mechanism for plastic deformation in metals.


Is an element that are soft and easy to cut cleanly with a knife likely to be a metal or a nonmetal?

An element that is soft and easy to cut cleanly with a knife is more likely to be a metal. Metals tend to have metallic bonds that allow layers of atoms to slide past each other easily, making them malleable and ductile. Nonmetals are usually brittle and cannot be easily cut with a knife.


Why pure copper is ductile and malleable?

Pure copper is ductile and malleable due to its metallic bonding, which allows the atoms to slide past each other easily. This atomic arrangement enables the copper to be bent, shaped, and drawn into wires without breaking. The presence of mobile electrons in the metal structure also contributes to its ductility and malleability.

Related questions

What happens to the atoms in the metal when a piece of copper is pulled into a wire?

The atoms slide over each other and thefore are placed in a new structure.


How does adding larger metal atoms to a metallic lattice make the metal harder?

Adding larger metal atoms to a metallic lattice introduces more lattice strain and dislocation movement obstacles, making it more difficult for dislocations to move through the lattice. This results in increased hardness as dislocation movement is a common mechanism for plastic deformation in metals.


Is bending a metal pole a physical of chemical change?

no because the atomic structure of the atoms in the metal will not chemically change. the free (delocalised) electrons in a metal form non-directional bonds with the atoms. there are also layers of atoms in a metal and these slide over each other and do not break.


Why is it impossible to slide solid objects through each other given that atoms are mostly empty space?

The electromagnetic field surrounding each atom repels all other atoms.


What are three differences between ionic bonds and covelant bonds?

Ionic bonds form between atoms with significantly different electronegativities, resulting in the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds form between atoms with similar electronegativities, resulting in the sharing of electrons. Ionic bonds typically involve the attraction between positive and negative ions, leading to the formation of a crystal lattice structure, while covalent bonds result in the formation of discrete molecules. Ionic bonds are usually stronger than covalent bonds due to the electrostatic attraction between opposite charges, while covalent bonds can vary in strength depending on the types of atoms and the nature of the shared electrons.


Are non-metals flexible?

Non-metals are typically not as flexible as metals because they have a lack of free electrons that allow for malleability. Non-metals tend to be brittle and break easily when bent. However, some non-metals like carbon in the form of graphite can exhibit some flexibility due to their unique molecular structure.


When non metal atoms bond with each other what kind of electron configuration does each nonmetal atom tend to rnd up with?

Non-metal atoms form covalent bonds in which their unpaired valence electrons are shared between the atoms. This sharing has the overall effect of giving both atoms an octet of valence electrons, or two valence electrons in the case of hydrogen.


The particles in liquids what past each other?

The particles in liquids can move past each other because they have more freedom of movement compared to solid particles. The particles in liquids have enough energy to overcome the attractive forces between them, allowing them to flow and change position easily.


Which of these best desribe why metal has the specific physical property of malleability?

The free electrons enable the atoms to move and roll over each other.


What do The electron sea model for metals suggests that?

Metals are described as malleable because of the ability of the atoms to roll over each other into new positons.


How do scissors work?

Two pivoted metal blades connected through a joint in such a way that the sharpened edges slide against each other and cut the material.


Why are pure metal soft and their alloys are hard?

why alloys are harder than pure metalsMaterials are harder the more difficult it is to make their atoms slide past each other. This is relatively easy in pure metals because all atoms are the same size, and "slip planes" along which movement is easy are present. Alloys contain 1 or more other types of metal atoms which don't fit nicely into the parent metal's crystal structure and make the slip planes "bumpy" - so they are harder to slide along = harder. Some of the metals in their pure form are softer by nature. They are to be made stronger by adding suitable elements like sliver and copper to goldWhen it comes to Cast Iron this metal is hard. By adding carbon, nickle ,silver etc the Iron can be made malleable. The Metallurgy will be the subject to deal with this.