The high electrical and thermal conductivities of metals are explained by the mobility of their outer valence electrons in the presence of an electrical potential or thermal gradient. The ductility of metals is explained by the bonding .electron gas. which enables atoms to pass over each other during deformation, without severing their bonds. Solution The high electrical and thermal conductivities of metals are explained by the mobility of their outer valence electrons in the presence of an electrical potential or thermal gradient. The ductility of metals is explained by the bonding .electron gas. which enables atoms to pass over each other during deformation, without severing their bonds..