Structure and bonding in metals

• What is the main characteristic of metals?

  Metals are shiny elements that are good conductors of electricity and heat.
• How does the structure of metals relate to their melting and boiling points?

  The structure of metals explains their high melting and boiling points due to strong metallic bonding.
• What happens to the properties of a metal when it is mixed with another substance to form an alloy?

  The properties of a metal can be modified by mixing it with another substance to form an alloy.
• What is the smallest part of an element that can exist?

  An atom is the smallest part of an element that can exist.
• What are delocalised electrons in metals?

  Delocalised electrons are outer electrons that are free to move through the whole structure of the metal.
• What results from the sharing of delocalised electrons in metals?

  The sharing of delocalised electrons results in strong metallic bonding.
• What is the definition of metallic bonding?

  Metallic bonding is bonding in metal elements consisting of a giant structure of metal atoms and their delocalised electrons.
• Why are metals good conductors of electricity?

  Metals are good conductors of electricity because their delocalised electrons carry electrical charge through the metal.
• How do delocalised electrons contribute to thermal conductivity in metals?

  Delocalised electrons transfer thermal energy, making metals good conductors of thermal energy.
• What is the melting point of a substance?

  The melting point is the temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid as it is heated.
• What is the boiling point of a substance?

  The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance rapidly changes from a liquid to a gas.
• Why do metals have high melting and boiling points?

  Metals have high melting and boiling points because large amounts of energy are needed to overcome the strong metallic bonds.
• What are the properties of metals?

  • Good electrical conductors
  • Good thermal conductors
  • High melting points
  • High boiling points
• How does the structure and bonding of metals explain their properties?

  • Metals consist of giant structures of atoms.
  • Delocalised electrons allow for conductivity.
  • Strong metallic bonds result in high melting and boiling points.
• What is the significance of delocalised electrons in metallic bonding?

  • They are free to move throughout the metal.
  • They contribute to electrical and thermal conductivity.
  • They create strong metallic bonds.