Metals

Question 1

Properties of metals vs non-metals.

Answer 1

Metals: shiny, good conductors, high density, high melting point, malleable - can be pressed into shape without shattering.

Non-metals - dull, poor conductors, low density, low melting point, brittle - shatter when bent or hit.

Question 2

Describe metallic structure and bonding.

Answer 2

A metal consists of a giant lattice structure if positively charged metal ions and has a ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons. The delocalised electrons come from the outer shells of the atoms. Metallic bonds are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons.

Question 3

Describe the solubility of metals.

Answer 3

Metals are insoluble in water. However, some metals do seem to dissolve in water. This is because they react with the water to produce soluble metal hydroxides. These dissolve, exposing more metal to the water. For example, sodium reacts with water, forming sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen.

Question 4

Describe the malleability of metals.

Answer 4

If a force is applied to a metal, layers of positive ions slide over each other, and the metal changes shape without shattering.