What structural configuration in metals is responsible for their malleability?

The malleability of metals is primarily attributed to their crystalline lattice structure. In this arrangement, metal atoms are organized in a repeating pattern, forming a crystal lattice. This arrangement allows for layers of atoms to slide over each other when a force is applied.

When sufficient stress is applied to a metal, the atoms can shift within the structure without breaking the metallic bonds that hold them together. The metallic bonds are characterized by a "sea of electrons" that are delocalized, allowing atoms to move relatively freely compared to covalent or ionic bonds found in non-metallic substances. This is distinct from an amorphous structure, which lacks the periodic order and cannot sustain the same level of structural deformation without breaking.

Malleability is a key property of metals, enabling them to be shaped into various forms, such as sheets or wires, while retaining their integrity. The nature of the crystalline lattice thus plays a crucial role in determining how a metal can be deformed under stress without fracturing.