Metals

Electrical Conductivity

Why do metals like iron conduct thermal energy?

[2 marks]

• What carries charge through them?

  Metals have Metallic Bonding. This has:

  • Positive metal ions

  • Sea of delocalised electrons (1 mark)

  The delocalised electrons move through structure and transfer energy(1 mark)

Melting & Boiling Point

Why do metals have high melting points? Answer in terms of structure and bonding.

[3 marks]

• What bonding?

  Metallic Bonding:

  • Positive metal ions

  • Sea of delocalised electrons

• What forces act here?

  Force between the positive metal ions and negative delocalised electrons is:

  • Electrostatic force of attraction (STRONG)

• Are there other forces to consider?

  No.

  Because metals form a Giant Metallic Structure. (1 mark)

  To melt them, you have to break the strong electrostatic forces. (1 mark)

  This requires a lot of energy. (1 mark)