metals and alloys Flashcards
what do metals consist of?
a giant structure of atoms arranged in regular layers
what are the electrons in the outer energy level of each atom?
they’re delocalised
what’s 1 key fact about the metals in the outer electrons?
they’re not attached to any individual atom, so they’re free to move
what do we call the electrons lost from a metal atom?
metal ions
what do we call this bonding?
metallic bonding
what 2 things have a strong electrostatic attraction?
- sea of delocalised negative electrons
- positive metal ions
are metallic bonds strong or weak?
strong
why are metals excellent conductors of heat and electricity?
because the delocalised electrons can move
what can charged electrons do?
move and carry an electric current and thermal energy
why can metals be bent and shaped?
because the layers of atoms are able to slide over each other
what is an alloy?
a mixture of metals
how does an alloy help?
- distorts the layers
- more difficult for them to slide over each other
what are alloys harden then?
pure metals
