Metals

Question 1

Describe the structure of a metal

Answer 1

Metal atoms lose their outer shell
electrons to form positive ions (cations) that are arranged in layers in giant lattice
surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons

Question 2

Properties of metals

Answer 2

1. High Melting Points and Boiling Point
   Takes a lot of energy to overcome strong attractions between positive ions and delocalised electrons
2. Good conductors
   Delocalised electrons can move through structure and carry charge creating a current
3. Malleable and ductile
   Layers of positive ions can slide easily past each other and the bonding is unaffected

Question 3

Define an alloy

Answer 3

An alloy is a mixture of a metal with small amounts of other elements

Question 4

Why are pure metals softer than alloys?

Answer 4

Layers can slide past each other easier in pure metals as atoms are the same size compared to in alloys where the atoms are different sizes