Metallic Bonds Flashcards
(b) Good electrical conductivity in solid/molten states
Due to the presence of mobile valence electrons which can migrate freely through the metallic structure when a potential difference is applied.
(a) High melting and boiling points
The strong electrostatic attractions between the positively-charged metal cations and negatively-charged mobile valence electrons require a large amount of energy to overcome.
(c) Good thermal conductivity
When the temperature at one end of a metal is increased, the mobile valence electrons at the heated end gain kinetic energy and move more rapidly.
They then collide with the other mobile valence electrons at the cooler regions of the metal, transferring kinetic energy from one electron to another.
Extensive distribution of mobile valence electrons throughout the metallic structure allows kinetic energy to be transferred quickly from one end of the metal to the other end.
(d) Malleable and ductile
Contains metal cations of the same size and are arranged in a regular, orderly manner. The layers of cations can slide over one another easily.
Non-directional nature of the metallic bonds allow layers of metal cations to slide over one another without breaking the strong metallic bonds.
(e) High density
Giant metallic lattice of closely-packed, regular arrangement of metal cations surrounded by delocalised electrons.
High density as they have a high mass in a given unit volume.
