What is the crystalline structure typical of metals called?

The term that describes the crystalline structure typical of metals is known as a crystalline lattice. In metals, atoms are arranged in a highly ordered and repeating pattern, which is what defines their crystalline nature. This arrangement allows for the unique physical properties associated with metals, such as ductility, malleability, and electrical conductivity.

The crystalline lattice includes various types of arrangements, such as face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC), which influence how metals behave under stress, temperature changes, and other physical forces. Understanding this structure is crucial for predicting the properties of metals and how they will perform in different applications.

The other types of structures mentioned do not represent the ordered arrangement of atoms found in metals. An amorphous structure describes materials that lack long-range order, polymeric structures relate to the arrangement of atoms in polymers, and composite structures are made from two or more different materials to enhance properties. These distinctions highlight the significance of the crystalline lattice in defining the characteristics of metals.