Question

Why are metals malleable , ductile , sonorus , lustrous and why are group 1 metals are soft ?

Please explain in detail .

Answer 1

Sonorous meaning capable of producing sound : The electrons in the metallic bond is delocalised due to low electronegativity so that the energy cloud can move easily and a little energy is dissipated so the metals produce sound.

Metals are lustrous because of the free electrons they have. The free electrons can move freely in the metal causing any light incident on them to get reflected back. This reflection is specular reflection rather than diffused and thus the metal surface appears shiny or lustrous .