metals and alloys Flashcards
what do metals consist of?
atomic structure
they consist of a giant structure of atoms arranged in regular layers
what happens to them electron in the outer energy level in each atom?
they are delocalised
when electrons of atoms all delocalise from the atom, what is this called?
a sea of delocalised electrons
because each metal atom has lost its outer electron, what do we now refer to them as?
refer to them as metal ions
describe the electrostatic attraction when bonding in metals
strong electrostatic attraction between the sea of delocalised electrons and the positive metal ions
what is an electrostatic attraction?
an attraction between the positive particles and the negative particles
what do we call the electrostatic attraction between metals
a metallic bond
why are metals a great conductor of electricity and heat?
because the delocalised electrons can move
because the electrons are charged, these moving electrons can carry an electric current and carry thermal energy which allows metals to conduct heat
why can metals be bent and shaped?
in metals the layers of atoms are able to slide over each other
why do we make alloys from metals?
some pure metals are just not hard enough to be useful, (eg copper gold iron and aluminium)
we needed to make these metals harder, do that we make an alloy
what is an alloy?
a mixture of metals
what makes it more difficult for layers of metal to slide over eachother ?
the different sizes of atoms distorts the layer’s making it more difficult for them to slide over each other. alloy are harder than pure metals
