GCSE Chemistry revision

Metals as conductors

How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances

AQA 4.2.2.8 Foundation & Higher

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Lattice Structure: Metallic bonding consists of a regular giant metallic lattice made of positive metal ions surrounded by a mobile 'sea' of delocalised electrons.
Electrostatic Attraction: The strength of the metallic bond arises from strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positively charged metal ions and the negatively charged delocalised electrons.

1. Definition of Metallic Bonding AQA

Lattice Structure: Metallic bonding consists of a regular giant metallic lattice made of positive metal ions surrounded by a mobile 'sea' of delocalised electrons.
Electrostatic Attraction: The strength of the metallic bond arises from strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positively charged metal ions and the negatively charged delocalised electrons.

Mobile Charge Carriers: Delocalised electrons are not fixed to any single atom and are free to move throughout the entire giant metallic lattice.
Current Flow: When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across the metal, these free-moving delocalised electrons flow toward the positive terminal, enabling electrical current to pass through.

2. Good Electrical Conductivity AQA

Mobile Charge Carriers: Delocalised electrons are not fixed to any single atom and are free to move throughout the entire giant metallic lattice.
Current Flow: When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across the metal, these free-moving delocalised electrons flow toward the positive terminal, enabling electrical current to pass through.

Sliding Atomic Layers: Positive metal ions are arranged in uniform, regular layers that can slide over one another when a mechanical force is applied.
Preserved Bonding: Because delocalised electrons move flexibly in all directions, electrostatic attraction is maintained during layer movement, allowing metals to be hammered into shapes (malleable) or drawn into wires (ductile) without breaking.

3. Malleability and Ductility AQA

Sliding Atomic Layers: Positive metal ions are arranged in uniform, regular layers that can slide over one another when a mechanical force is applied.
Preserved Bonding: Because delocalised electrons move flexibly in all directions, electrostatic attraction is maintained during layer movement, allowing metals to be hammered into shapes (malleable) or drawn into wires (ductile) without breaking.