Metal Structure And Properties Flashcards
Explain why copper is used to make electrical wiring
It is a good conductor
List the physical properties of metals
- lustrous, hard and high desnsity
- high tensile strength
- high melting and boiled points
- good conductors of heat and electricity
What are the particles in a metal held together by?
Metallic bonds
How can metals becomes superconductors?
At low temperatures
Why do metals have high melting points and boiling points?
Due to strong metallic bonds
Describe how metals conduct electricity?
The free movement of delocalised electrons allows metals to conduct electricity
Describe what is meant by the term superconductor
They are metals that are able to conduct electricity because the atoms are very close together and the electrons can move from atom to atom
Describe the potential benefits of superconductors
- loss free power transmission
- super-fast electronic circuits
- powerful electromagnets
Describe metallic bonding
The attraction between a sea or delocalised electrons and close packed positive metal ions
Explain in terms of structure why metals have high melting points and boiling points
Because lots of energy is needed to overcome the strong metallic bonds
Explain in terms of structure why metals conduct electricity
The electrons are able to move freely which allows the metal to conduct electricity
Explain some of the drawbacks of superconductors
Most superconductors work below -200°C. This very low temperature is costly to maintain and impractical for large-scale users.
Explain why iron is used to make cars and bridges
It is very strong
