Properties of metals and alloys

• What are the key properties of metals?

  • High melting and boiling points (strong metallic bonds).
  • Good conductors of heat and electricity (delocalised electrons).
  • Malleable and ductile (layers of atoms slide).
  • High density and strength
• What are alloys, and why are they harder than pure metals?

  • Alloys are mixtures of metals or metal and other elements.
  • Examples: Bronze (Copper + Tin), Steel (Iron + Carbon).
  • Harder than pure metals because different-sized atoms disrupt the layers, preventing them from sliding easily