Atomic Structure - Metals Flashcards
Describe the electrons in the outer shell of a metal.
Thy are delocalised and so free to move through the whole structure.
Why can metals conduct heat and electricity?
Because of the delocalised electrons in their structures.
Why can metals be bent or shaped?
The layers of atoms can slide over each other.
Describe the structure of an alloy.
Different sized atoms distort layers in structure. This makes it harder for them to slide over each other and they are therefore harder than pure metals.
What can shape memory alloys do?
Return to their original shape after being deformed.
What do thermosoftening polymers consist of?
Individual tangled polymer chains
held together by weak intermolecular forces
which are free to slide over each other.
What do thermosetting polymers consist of?
Strong intermolecular forces between polymer chains called cross links. Chains are held firmly together.
They don’t melt when heated.
Describe the structure of a metal.
Metals consist of giant structures of atoms arranged in a regular pattern.
