A steel ruler primarily consists of metallic bonding, where metal atoms share delocalized electrons. Steel, being an alloy, is a mixture of different metal atoms, primarily iron, with other elements like carbon, manganese, and potentially chromium. Here's a more detailed explanation:Metallic Bonding:In metallic bonding, atoms are arranged in a way that their outer electrons (valence electrons) are shared collectively, forming a "sea of electrons". This shared electron pool allows for the characteristic properties of metals, such as conductivity and malleability. Steel as an Alloy:Steel is a specific alloy, meaning it's a mixture of different elements. In a steel ruler, the primary metal is iron, and other elements like carbon, manganese, and chromium are added to enhance specific properties. These elements also participate in the metallic bonding within the structure. Delocalized Electrons:The "sea of electrons" in metallic bonding is characterized by electrons that are not bound to a specific atom but are free to move throughout the metal structure. This movement of electrons is responsible for the conductivity of heat and electricity in metals. Other Bonding Possibilities:While metallic bonding is the dominant type in steel, there might be some trace amounts of other bonding types present, such as covalent bonding between carbon atoms or ionic bonding in specific cases. However, metallic bonding is the main type responsible for the overall structure and properties of the steel ruler.