metallic structure

Arrangement of the atoms in a metal, which are held together by metallic bonds to form a close-packed regular giant structure. The atoms may be arranged either as a face-centred cubic structure or as a close-packed cubic structure. The free electrons between the atoms enable metals to conduct heat and electricity, and give the metal malleability, as the atoms can slide over each other. The high melting points of metals suggest that there are strong chemical bonds between the atoms.