Why are metals malleable and ductile?

Metals are malleable and ductile because their atoms are arranged in a closely packed lattice structure with free-moving electrons. This allows the layers of atoms to slide over one another without breaking bonds. That’s why metals can be hammered into sheets (malleable) or drawn into wires (ductile).

The main reason is the presence of metallic bonds. In metals, positively charged ions are surrounded by a "sea of electrons." This structure makes them flexible when external force is applied.