1.4.7

Giant Metallic Lattices

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Structure of Solid State Metals

Metals in a solid state have a macrostructure defined by atoms arranged in rows and held together through the principles of metallic bonding.

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Metallic lattices

  • All metals, when solid, display their atoms in a giant metallic lattice.
  • Atoms are arranged in regular rows, held in place through electrostatic attraction between the positive metal ions and their delocalised electrons.
  • Rows are able to slide over each other, giving metals their characteristic ability to bend and be beaten into shape (malleable).
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Melting and boiling points

  • Metals have a high level of attraction between the metal ions and the electrons.
    • This makes metals have high melting and boiling points.
    • Metals with more delocalised electrons tend to have higher melting and boiling points.
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Conducting electricity

  • Metals have delocalised electrons. This means they are free to move within a metal's lattice structure.
    • The movement of free electrons allows electricity to be conducted by metals.
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Strength of attraction

  • Metals have a strong attraction between the positive metal ions and the negative electrons.
    • The strength of these attractions means metals do not dissolve easily.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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