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The difference in properties between metal and nonmetal solids (i.e. brittleness, malleability, conduction of both heat and electrical current) is due to availability or absence of free electrons. Contrarily to abundance of free electrons in metals, free electrons are much fewer in nonmetal objects. Electrons that are not bound to atoms are free to roam about, and that is what free electrons do (everywhere) in a piece of metal. These electrons would take impact energy and (practically instantly) distribute it throughout the piece, acting like a bumper in a car. It helps to remember that things are mostly empty space as that is how atoms are.

Atomic properties explain also the difference in heat transfer: metals feel cold on a touch because free electrons immediately take energy from a tip of a finger and 'run away with it.' (We feel something is colder when we give out energy, instead of receiving it.)

E.Silvermint

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13y ago

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