Giant metallic substances

Question 1

What is the definition of metallic bonds?

Answer 1

Strong electrostatic attraction between cations (positive ions) and delocalised electrons

Question 2

Describe the structure of a giant metallic lattice

Answer 2

Electrons in the outer shell are delocalised to give positive metal centres (cations)
Ions must be regular size and arrangement
Positive metal ions are arranged in a giant lattice
Strong electrostatic attractions hold together these positively charged ions and delocalised ions

Question 3

Describe the melting point of giant metallic lattices

Answer 3

Strong electrostatic attractions hold together positively charged ions and delocalised electrons
Require a large amount of energy to break
High melting/boiling point

Question 4

Describe the solubility of giant metallic lattices

Answer 4

Do not interact with water molecules and are therefore insoluble in water

Question 5

Describe the conductivity of giant metallic lattices

Answer 5

Solid and molten = giant metallic substances have mobile delocalised electrons
Therefore conduct electricity