C3.10 Giant metallic structure

Question 1

Why can metals be hammered and bend into different shapes?

Answer 1

➢ Because layers of atoms in pure metal are able to slide easily over each other

Question 2

What are alloys?

Answer 2

➢Mixtures of metals of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal

Question 3

Why is steel harder than iron?

Answer 3

➢Contains a mixtures of metals
➢Carbon atoms are different sizes to the iron atoms
➢Makes it more difficult for them to slide over each other

Question 4

Why can metals be hammered in shape without cracking?

Answer 4

➢Electron are able to move throughout the entire giant lattice
➢Because they move around - they can hold the metal ions together at the same time
➢When struck the metal atoms can slip past one other without breaking up

Question 5

What does it mean if a metal is ductile?

Answer 5

➢It can be drawn out into wires

Question 6

Why do metallic structures have high melting points?

Answer 6

➢The electrostatic forces of attraction extend in all directions
➢As the electrons move freely between the positive metal ions - “hence the sea of delocalised electrons”
➢Therefore takes a lot of energy to separate the metal ions from their fixed positions