Unit 2.7 - metallic bonding

Question 1

What type of structure do metals have?

Answer 1

They have a 3D giant metallic structure. Made of a lattice of closely packed cations in a sea of delocalised valence electrons.

Question 2

What is metallic bonding (what holds the structure together)?

Answer 2

The strong electrostatic force of attraction between the delocalised electrons and the metal cations.

Question 3

State the properties of metals

Answer 3

1. Shiny when pure
2. Very good electrical conductors - the delocolised electrons can form an electrical current
3. Very good thermal conductors - the cations are very close together and transfer heat quickly when they vibrate
4. Variable melting points
5. Malleable - can be beaten into shape; the ions are organised in regular layers which can slide over each other when a force is applied.
6. Ductile - can be stretched into wires