metallic bonds

• What type of structure do metals have?

  Metallic lattice structures
• What are the components of a giant metallic lattice structure?

  Positively charged metal cations and delocalised electrons
• What happens to the outer electrons of metal atoms in a metallic lattice?

  They become delocalised and leave cations
• What is metallic bonding?

  • Electrostatic attractions between metal cations and delocalised electrons
  • Strong bonds that hold metals in lattice structure
• How does the strength of metallic bonds affect melting points?

  Stronger bonds result in higher melting points
• What are the three main factors influencing the strength of metallic bonds?

  Number of delocalised electrons, cation charge, cation radius
• How does the number of delocalised electrons per atom affect metallic bonds?

  More delocalised electrons lead to stronger bonds
• What effect does a higher cation charge have on metallic bonding?

  It results in stronger electrostatic attractions
• Why do smaller metal cations have stronger metallic bonds?

  They have higher charge density and hold electrons closer
• What is the melting point of magnesium?

  650°C
• What is the melting point of sodium?

  98°C
• Why does magnesium have a higher melting point than sodium?

  Magnesium donates two electrons; sodium donates one
• How does the charge of magnesium cations compare to sodium cations?

  Magnesium has a +2 charge; sodium has +1
• What is the size comparison between magnesium and sodium cations?

  Magnesium cations are smaller than sodium cations
• What properties of metals are explained by metallic bonding?

  • High melting and boiling points
  • Good conductors of electricity and heat
  • Malleable and ductile
  • Insoluble in water and solvents
• Why do metals have high melting and boiling points?

  Strong electrostatic forces require large energy to break
• How do delocalised electrons contribute to electrical conductivity in metals?

  They flow freely to transfer charge
• What allows metals to be malleable and ductile?

  Layers of cations can slide over each other
• Why are metals insoluble in water and solvents?

  Strong metallic bonds prevent dissolution