True or False: Metals have a crystalline structure with atoms arranged in a regular pattern.

The assertion that metals have a crystalline structure with atoms arranged in a regular pattern is true. In crystallography, this regular arrangement of atoms is fundamental to understanding the properties of metals. The crystalline structure leads to several characteristics, such as the ability to conduct heat and electricity, ductility, malleability, and strength.

Metals typically crystallize in one of several common structures, including face-centered cubic (FCC), body-centered cubic (BCC), or hexagonal close-packed (HCP), depending on the type of metal and its specific conditions. This ordered arrangement of atoms allows for the formation of metallic bonds, which play a crucial role in imparting the physical properties that are typical of metals.

While there can be exceptions in specific conditions, such as certain alloys or amorphous metals, the general rule is that metals possess a crystalline structure under standard conditions. This understanding is essential for various applications in engineering and materials science, where the arrangement of atoms directly influences the material behavior.