Structure & Bonding in Metals

Question 1

How do metal atoms form giant structures?

Answer 1

• Metals have lattice structures.
• The electrons in metals are delocalised creating a ‘sea of electrons’ around positive ions (cations).
• The atoms are held together by strong metallic bonds between the metal ions and the electrons.
• Ions in metals are closely packed together making them dense.

Question 2

How do you know if its a metallic bond?

Answer 2

Lots of positive metal ions together, with a sea of freely moving negative electrons (delocalised electrons).

Question 3

How do alloys affect the structure and bonding in metals?

Answer 3

• Alloys are stronger than metals because they have a different sized metal atom to stop them from sliding.
• It is more difficult to rearrange the atoms in an alloy.
• It is easy to rearrange the atoms in a pure metal.

Question 4

Why are alloys used more often than pure metals?

Answer 4

Alloys are stronger, and they have different sized metal atoms to stop them from sliding, so it is more difficult to rearrange the atoms.