Metals and alloys Flashcards
How are metals bonded?
Through the sharing of delocalised electrons
Describe the atoms in a metallic structure.
- Metal atoms arranged in a regular pattern
- Sea of delocalised electrons between the atoms
Why are metals good conductors of electricity?
Sea of delocalised electrons can carry electrical charge through the metal
Why do metals have high melting points and boiling points?
- Metallic bonding is very strong
- Large amounts of energy needed to overcome metallic bonding
Why can metals conduct electricity?
The delocalised electrons can carry charge throughout the metal
What is an alloy?
A mixture of two or more elements where at least one is a metal
Why are many metals made into alloys?
- Pure metals are too soft
- Adding another element makes the metal harder
Which metal does the alloy steel always contain?
Iron
What is mild steel made up of?
Carbon and iron
What is tool steel an example of?
Tungsten and iron
What is stainless steel an example of?
Chromium and iron
What is a property of mild steel?
Easy to bend and pull into wires
What are two properties of tool steel?
- Hard
- Can be heated to high temperatures
What are two properties of stainless steel?
- Hard
- Does not rust easily
Name three types of the alloy steel.
- Mild steel
- Tool steel
- Stainless steel
