Which of the following explains why metals are able to be pounded, extruded, bent, and shaped without breaking?mobile electrons in p orbitalsmobile electrons in s orbitalsdirectional electrons in p orbitalsdirectional electrons in s orbitals

Metals are malleable because their atoms are held together by metallic bonds: positive metal ions are surrounded by mobile, delocalized valence electrons. These mobile electrons, commonly from s orbitals, keep the ions attracted even when layers shift, so the metal can be bent or shaped without breaking. Thus, “mobile electrons in s orbitals” is the best choice.

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