Metals

• What structure do metals have?

  Crystal structure
• Describe metals referring to 'outer electrons'.

  In metals the outer electrons of each atom can move freely. The atoms become positive ions in a "sea" of delocalised electrons
• Define 'delocalised electrons'

  Free (to move) electrons
• What is metallic bonding?

  The electrostatic attraction between the ions and electrons.
• In which direction does electrostatic attraction move to?

  The ions are surrounded by electrons so the attraction acts in all directions
• Which side of the periodic table do metals belong?

  Left side; they normally form a full outer shell by losing electrons. Metal atoms find it easy to become positive ions
• The electrons metals lose, form the "sea" of delocalised electrons
• What causes the strong metallic bonding within a metal?

  Metals tend to be hard, dense and lustrous. There's a strong attraction between the delocalised electrons and the closely packed ions
• Why do metals generally have high melting and boiling points?

  Due to the strong metallic bonds; you need to use a lot of energy to break these attractions apart
• Metals have a high tensile strength. What does this mean?

  That they're strong and hard to break
• Define "malleable"

  Can be hammered into different shapes - Metals are malleable
• Why are metals good conductors of heat and electricity?

  Due to the sea of delocalised electrons which move freely through the metal, carrying the electrical charge - They also carry heat energy through the metal
• What do metals react with to form Metal oxides?

  Oxygen - most metal oxides are solid at room temperature and form basic solutions when you dissolve them in water
• Metals can be mixed with other elements to make Alloys. Explain.

  Pure metals often aren't right for certain jobs so you can change metal properties by mixing them with other elements to make alloys.

  Alloys have different properties from the main metal(s) they contain - they may be stronger, more malleable or more corrosion resistant
• What are the properties of non-metals?

  Non-metals usually have low melting + boiling points, and when solid, they tend to be weak and brittle.

  They have lower densities than metals and don't conduct electricity - carbon is the only element that breaks these rules